Decathlon has dismissed the idea of bidding for troubled sports specialist JJB.
But it is understood rival retailer JD Sports is among those still interested in JJB Sports. JD requested sales information about JJB Sports from KPMG, which is handling the sale, sources close to the situation told the Financial Times.
Decathlon denied “any acquisition project of JJB stores in England”, through the Twitter page of its owner Oxylane Group, the manufacturer and retailer of sports goods.
Decathlon’s lack of interest in JJB came in thwe wake of Jon Moulton’s decision not to submit a bid by the deadline last Friday.
KPMG has sent sales information to more than 10 parties.
Investment firm OpCapita also did not submit a bid by Friday’s deadline but is nevertheless thought still to be assessing JJB
Restructuring firm GA Europe is believed to have submitted an offer.
JJB founder Dave Whelan is interested in picking up 30 to 40 stores for his DW Sports retail and fitness chain, Retail Week revealed last week.
Many observers believe potential bidders will be interested in a slimmed down version of the retailer rather than taking on the full 180 stores it currently operates.
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