“We are extremely excited to be joining up with Finish Line, a well-established U.S. operator,” said Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports. “The acquisition represents an excellent opportunity for JD to establish its market-leading multibrand proposition in the world’s largest athleisure market. It immediately offers a major presence in the U.S., a clear next step to further increase our global scale. 

Finish Line has many similarities to JD, with a strong bricks-and-mortar offering complemented by an advanced and well-invested digital platform. We are looking forward to working with Finish Line’s experienced management team to bring best-in-class retail theater to the U.S. Our combined extensive knowledge of the retail market and our product-and-marketing relationships with global brand partners will benefit our customers, in turn supporting the continued future growth of JD.”

Indianapolis-based Finish Line operates some 930 branded stores at U.S. malls, plus shops inside Macy’s department stores.

The deal is likely to result in a stronger rival for Foot Locker, said Sam Poser, a Susquehanna Financial Group analyst, speaking to Footwear News. “Overseas, JD Sports and Foot Locker Europe are different, they look and feel different, and if they can apply those differences here and have that work, it would be good for everybody,” Poser said. JD Sports’ diversity of retail banners, he said, will broaden Finish Line's product stock and enable the chain to stay ahead of the trends better.