The deals came as talk circulated that secretive sports tycoon Mike Ashley has built a stake of as much as 11 per cent in the ailing retailer.
Blacks has signed a five-year licensing agreement with Australian group Gazal to wholesale and retail the Mambo surfwear brand in Europe, excluding Spain.
Under the terms of the deal, Blacks will take responsibility for four UK Mambo shops.
Blacks chief executive Russell Hardy said: 'Mambo is a strong brand with real growth potential in the UK and continental Europe. Mambo's fun and sporty surfwear is a logical fit with our outdoor and boardwear ranges. We aim to ensure the brand achieves it full potential over the next five years.'
The other agreement struck was with Evans Cycles, which will open shop-in-shops in some of Blacks' bigger out-of-town stores.
Blacks' management is under pressure after warning on profits twice since mid-July. On Wednesday, the retailer disclosed it would only break even in the first half and analysts downgraded profit forecasts.
No comments yet