JD Sports has announced a multi-million dollar investment in the UK, Yorkshire-based athleisure retailer Gym King, taking a “significant” minority stake in the firm.

Founded by Jay Parker in 2015, Gym King specializes in athleisure and trend-driven performance wear.

Parker, Gym King CEO, said: “This strategic partnership will help Gym King capitalize on the huge opportunity ahead of us, becoming a world-renowned ‘lifestyle performance’ brand. Our core brand values—Mindset, Resilience & Community—aligns perfectly with the JD business and consumer. We have continued to see impressive growth over the last 12 months with a focus on our own online, direct-to-consumer offering alongside our premium wholesale distribution to selected retail partners. The clear synergies with JD Sports will create a strong platform for accelerated growth.”

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman, JD Sports Fashion, said: “We have long admired the Gym King business and have increasingly recognized its potential as we’ve worked together in recent years. Investing in Gym King was a natural follow to strengthen our partnership and is a testament to the work Jay and his team have put in over recent years. The future for Gym King has a great number of opportunities, and we are delighted to be part of that journey.”

JD Sports owns Finish Line, Shoe Palace and DTLR Villa in the U.S.

Photo courtesy JD Sports