Frasers Group is set to acquire Dutch sporting retailer, Twin Sport, as Sports Direct seeks to become the number one sporting goods retailer in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Twin Sport, which is one of the leading omnichannel sports retailers across the Netherlands, is part of the Intersport franchise, which is owned by EKS Netherlands, previously known as Euretco.
The retailer’s 17 stores throughout the Netherlands and online presence pulled in sales of approximately £64.15m, including VAT, in its 2023 financial year.
Frasers Group is also in negotiations to snap up more than 10 former retail locations of the sports retailer Sprinter, which are located across the Netherlands.
Sprinter’s parent company Sports Unlimited – which is owned by JD Sports – was declared bankrupt in December.
The acquisition of both Twin Sport and the former Sprinter stores, which are still to be confirmed, will grow Frasers’ sports retail footprint across the Netherlands, where it currently has five stores under the Sports World brand.
It will also strengthen its presence across the Benelux market, which is a key market for Frasers.
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Frasers Group managing director of sport Ger Wright said: “This acquisition accelerates Sports Direct’s ambition to become the leading sporting goods retailer in EMEA. As part of Frasers, Twin Sport will benefit from our elevation strategy, our ongoing investment in omnichannel retail capabilities, and the incredible Sports Direct brand ecosystem.
“Our unparalleled relationships with global brands like Nike and Adidas, as well as our partnerships with beloved local brands, will enhance Twin Sport’s offering for consumers.”
Twin Sport is the latest in a recent flurry of acquisitions for Frasers Group, including its rescue of online bike retailer Wiggle and snapping up a stake in model trains-to-planes firm Hornby.
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