JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired the insolvent European arm of rugby apparel-maker Canterbury of New Zealand and global rights to the Canterbury brand. The U.K. chain bought Canterburys global brand, goodwill, and “certain fixed assets” for £6.5 million pounds ($11 mm), while Canterbury Europe was purchased for “an undisclosed sum” from insolvency administrators.
Canterbury, founded over a century ago in New Zealand, fell into administration last month after being hurt by the weak pound and expanding unsuccessfully into new sports categories. It's the current brand shirt sponsor of the international rugby union teams of South Africa and Australia.
The deal to buy Canterbury builds on JD's purchase of the Kooga Rugby brand last month. JD chairman Peter Cowgill said: “We are delighted with the acquisition of the Canterbury and Kooga brands, which will further diversify the groups overall interests in the sports and related leisurewear markets.”
