Britain’s biggest sporting goods retailer Sports Direct International
Plc forecast full-year earnings in line with expectations. For the year
ending April 2009, underlying earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) are expected to meet current
market hopes of £135 million ($221.4 million). That represents a 10%
drop on the previous year’s £150 million.

“In spite of these tough market conditions, trading in the year to date
is in line with the group’s expectations,” the company said in a statement.

Sports Direct runs Sports World and Lillywhites stores as
well as brands such as Slazenger, Lonsdale, Everlast and Dunlop.