JD Sports Fashion Plc (JD) has acquired rugby retailer Canterbury Europe for £6.5 million.

JD Sports Fashion Plc (JD) has acquired rugby retailer Canterbury Europe for £6.5 million.

The acquired company is the European arm of New Zealand-based rugby powerhouse Canterbury. The deal means that JD now owns two rugby brand businesses following the acquisition of Kooga Rugby last month. Canterbury is the current shirt sponsor of the international rugby teams of South Africa and Australia.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD, said: ‘We are delighted with the acquisition of the Canterbury and Kooga brands, which will further diversify the group’s overall interests in the sports and related leisurewear markets.’  

In the year ending January 2009, JD reported an increase in turnover of 13 per cent to £670.9 million, while pre-tax profits were up nine per cent to £38.2 million.