Sports Direct adds to Iconix stake, exits Finish Line

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 20, 2018

British retailer Sports Direct announced on Tuesday morning it has exited its investment in American sports shoe retailer Finish Line, just days after it was acquired by rival UK sportswear company JD Sports.

Mike Ashley’s retail company said in a statement it has fully disposed its interest in Finish Line, as the chain joins rival JD Sports in a $558 million deal.

Additionally, Sports Direct revealed that it now holds 8.6% of the issued common stock of Iconix Brand Group, the American owner of a host of brands including Umbro, Mossimo and Joe Boxer.

This is down from an 8.9% holding, most likely due to some share issue dilution. The stake is held through contracts for difference with third parties.

The US investments follow the collapse in the Debenhams share price on Monday after the UK department store group issued its third profit warning this year.

Sports Direct owns 29.7% of Debenhams, which coupled with an 11% minority in House of Fraser, could spell trouble for the British company amid tough times for UK retailers.