JD Sports subsidiary completes acquisition of Fishing Republic

Press release from Go Outdoors

GO Outdoors, the outdoor retailer that was purchased by JD Sports for over £100M in 2016 has acquired retailer Fishing Republic the same day it fell into administration, securing the jobs of over 100 staff across its 14 stores. 

JD Sports has added Fishing Republic to its stable of outdoor activity brands which, as well as GO Outdoors, also includes Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso.

Fishing Republic which is based in Yorkshire is the second largest independent fishing tackle and equipment retailer in the UK with 14 stores. Holding several million pounds of stock, Fishing Republic caters for all disciplines of fishing and has a geographical coverage from Basingstoke in the South to Sunderland in the North of England. With the recent acquisition from GO Outdoors, this brings the total number of fishing outlets for the group up to 78 stores across the UK.

The retailer is still in the process of completing the transition with its website holding the message “keep calm, we’ll be back shortly!” and all 14 stores still trading as normal.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of the Outdoor Division at JD Sports, says: “We’re delighted to have secured the business and are very excited about the acquisition.

“Our GO Outdoors fishing business is already significant and this gives Fishing Republic and some of our branded partners a huge opportunity for the future”

Fishing Republic will also honour all outstanding customer Gift Vouchers and Cards.

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