Chairman of family-owned Modell’s Sporting Goods William Modell has died in Manhattan.

Mr Modell took over the firm in 1985 from his father, Henry, and saw the business grow from four to 136 stores spread across 12 US states. The company, which sells sports apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories posted revenues of approximately $635 million in 2007.

Mr Modell was also well known for his philanthropic endeavours, having donated millions of dollars to medical research. He helped found cancer support group Gilda’s Club and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

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