Sports deal doubles Original Shoe stores

Scottish-based Original Shoe Company will almost double in size after its purchase on Tuesday of Sports Connection.

The deal follows Sports Connection's slide into receivership at last month.

Original Shoe Company, which has 29 stores, has bought 24 Sports Connection shops. However, the deal takes in only part of the business and assets of Sports Connection. While 210 jobs and the 24 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland have been saved, six shops will close and 116 jobs will go.

Thirteen Sports Connection stores had already closed after the retailer was placed into receivership following poor trading, especially over Christmas.

Sports Connection was established in 1980.

Original Shoe Company managing director Dave Hammond said the deal offered him access to an 'exciting new market'.

It is likely the stores will continue to trade as Sports Connection rather than be rebranded.

Receiver KPMG handled the disposal.