French Sporting Goods Retailer Decathlon Backs Off JJB Sports Bid

The list of prospective suitors for sports retailer JJB Sports narrowed on Monday after French sporting goods retailer Decathlon "ruled itself out of acquiring any of the struggling retailer’s stores," according to Jennifer Thompson of the FINANCIAL TIMES. However, U.K. rival JD Sports Fashion "requested sales information for JJB, and is thought to be among those looking at the company." Decathlon said it denied “any acquisition project of JJB stores in England.” The denial came via the Twitter page of Decathlon’s owner, sports equipment manufacturer and retailer Oxylane Group. JD’s interest offers "hope to the struggling retailer" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 9/10).