Frasers Group swoops for German sports chain

Shirebrook-based Frasers Group is set to venture into the German market with a swoop for the Sportscheck chain.

SportScheck has over 75 years of experience in sports retail, with 34 stores in city locations across Germany, revenue of approximately €350m and a customer base of over 13 million visitors per year.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “Acquiring the leading sporting goods retailer in Germany is a big step in our journey to becoming the number one sports retailer in EMEA – and we are delighted to do this with the full support of major global brand partners, Adidas and Nike. Growing and expanding our Sports business is a key focus area in becoming an international retail business. The German market represents a huge opportunity for us, and we look forward to bringing our experience, resources and relationships to strengthen the SportScheck business.”

Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Adidas AG: “Michael’s elevation of Frasers Group and Sports Direct has been impressive. The acquisition of SportScheck is another big commitment to the sports industry and a natural evolution in their strategy of becoming a global player. We are committed and excited to support Sports Direct on their journey.”

Earlier this month, Frasers Group submitted a planning application for a global headquarters campus at Ansty in Rugby, Warwickshire.

If approved, the campus is expected to create 7,500 jobs and create £300m in GVA for the region.

Frasers Group includes Sports Direct, FLANNELS, Frasers, USC, and Everlast. Its current headquarters are in Shirebrook, Derbyshire.