Sports Direct has reported in its interims that it is set to meet market consensus EBITDA in its full year, but has not provided detailed current trading figures.

In an interim statement relating to the period from October 29 to March 12, the retailer reported total group sales for the 13 weeks to the end of January 27 wereÂŁ317 million and group gross profit wasÂŁ142 million. 15 new stores opened in the period and 13 small stores closed.

The sports retailer said that, since January 27, trading has remained “in-line with management’s expectations”.

Sports Direct added that it was confident of meeting revised market consensus forecasts during the year. Expectations for underlying EBITDA – before foreign exchange and exceptional items – for the full 2007/2008 year increased to£148 million.

Group debt rose fromÂŁ795.9 million at October 28 toÂŁ555.2 million by January 27. Net debt wasÂŁ396.2 million, down fromÂŁ431.4 million on October 28.

During the interim period, Sports Direct announced a strategic alliance in China with ITAT Group to supply merchandise to the group, which operates the largest network of multi-brand apparel retail chains in the country. The roll-out is ahead of schedule.

Sports Direct also sold it interest in Original Shoe Company to JJB Sports forÂŁ5 million and soldÂŁ29 million of shares in Umbro to Nike forÂŁ56.1 million in December.

In the same month Sports Dircet approved a share buy-back programme and has since purchased shares at total cost ofÂŁ38.9 million.

Sports Direct chief executive Dave Forsey said: “While the Company recognises the challenges in the retail market and across the economy as a whole, we have a compelling customer proposition and a resilient business model. We are confident of meeting current market expectations and will continue to look for opportunities to grow organically, via acquisitions and through partnerships on a global basis.”

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