JD Sports buys 209 Blacks shops

JD SPORTS will more than double in size following the acquisition today of 209 sport and fashion shops from Blacks Leisure for £53.2m.

But falling sales and plunging profits in the Blacks stores, which comprise 183 First Sport outlets, 24 Active Venture shops and two Pure Women stores, mean that JD will have to work hard to stop its own margins being hurt.

Pre-tax profits at the Blacks shops fell by nearly 30% to £5.25m in the year to 28 February and trading since then has been 'difficult' with like-for-like sales and gross margins down.

JD finance director Malcolm Blackhurst claimed that Blacks' problems were mainly to do with bad stocking. 'We feel we can significantly enhance their performance. It is just a question of products - the type of stuff in store,' he said.

JD Sports will keep all the Blacks brands for the foreseeable future as well as the warehouse and central-office functions at Peterlee on Tyneside.

Blacks will now concentrate on outdoor gear and camping equipment.