Weekend reports that JD Sports chairman Peter Cowgill had been approached about leading a private-equity approach have been denied by Cowgill. However, shares jumped 7.7 per cent yesterday on the back of City speculation.
Last month, JJB issued its seventh profit warning in 18 months. There has also been speculation that founder David Whelan, who owns 38 per cent of the business, could consider taking the company private again.
However, Whelan is chairman of Premiership debutants Wigan Athletic and his role at the helm of the club is thought to preclude such a time-consuming move.
Separately, Sportsworld International has raised its stake in JD Sports from less than 16 per cent to 16.22 per cent. Sportsworld owner Mike Ashley raised his stake to 19 per cent in October, but sold a tranche of shares two months later.
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