JJB Sports puts up 'for sale' sign

31/08/2012
UK-based sportswear retailer JJB Sports has put itself up for sale, after efforts to turn the ailing business around failed.

It has struggled for a number of years, restructuring and ploughing investors' capital back into the business with the hope of reversing its fortunes. But with debts of £6m, it has now asked financial adviser KPMG to seek buyers.

The business - which operates 180 outlets and employs about 4,000 staff - has faced strong competition on the high street in recent years from rival Sports Direct.

Analysts have said they expect JJB to survive, but in a different form and with fewer stores. A number of private equity firms are reportedly eyeing the business.