UK's JD Sports Fashion completes €520 mn acquisition of Courir

Courir, a prominent sneaker retailer in France—Europe's largest sneaker market—operates 323 stores across France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Luxembourg, along with 36 franchised outlets in Northwest Africa, the Middle East, and French overseas territories. The brand also includes three ‘Naked’ stores, catering specifically to women's premium sneaker preferences.

“This is an exciting milestone for our Complementary Concepts strategy in Europe. Courir broadens our customer base by targeting a more female, fashion-conscious, and older demographic, perfectly complementing JD's core customer profile,” JD’s chief executive officer Régis Schultz said in a press release.

The integration will bolster JD's presence across Europe, solidifying its position in the region’s competitive sneaker market. Courir reported revenues of €725.8 million and a profit before interest and tax of €50.3 million in 2023.

In compliance with the European Commission’s conditional clearance, JD will divest 15 Courir stores in France and six in Portugal to Snipes in Q1 FY26. These stores will continue to operate under the Courir banner until divestment.

The acquisition, funded through a combination of cash reserves and a revolving credit facility, marks a significant step in JD’s European growth strategy. JD plans to collaborate closely with Courir’s management team, led by Pierre Chambaudrie, to drive the brand’s expansion across the continent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)