CMA gives JD Sports the nod for Go Outdoors acquisition

Sports, fashion and outdoor brands retailer JD Sports Fashion announced on Thursday that its acquisition of Go Outdoors Topco had been given unconditional approval by the Competition and Markets Authority, and that the CMA's investigation was now complete.

The FTSE 250 firm described Go Outdoors as a “nationwide omnichannel retailer” catering for outdoor enthusiasts and specialists, with 58 stores across the UK at acquisition - the majority of which are situated in out of town retail parks.

It said the acquisition would complement the group's existing offering in the outdoor market.

“I am pleased with the outcome of the CMA's investigation and delighted to welcome Go Outdoors to the JD Group,” said executive chairman Peter Cowgill.

“Go Outdoors will make an excellent addition to the existing JD Outdoor business and I am confident that it will build upon Blacks', Millets' and Tiso's recent success on the high street and strengthen our consumer proposition within the outdoor sector.”