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Nike agrees £285m Umbro takeover | Nike agrees £285m Umbro takeover |
(40 minutes later) | |
Umbro, the maker of the England football team's kit, has agreed to be bought by US sportswear giant Nike in a deal worth £285m ($580m). | |
Nike said the deal would allow it to "significantly expand" its presence in football, describing the area as "a key growth category" for the firm. | |
As well as providing kit for the England team, Umbro also supplies the kit for six Premier League clubs. | As well as providing kit for the England team, Umbro also supplies the kit for six Premier League clubs. |
Recent sales of England replica tops have been disappointing. | |
Speculation had been rising that Nike was set to launch a bid after Umbro said last week that it had received an approach about a possible offer. | |
On Friday, retailer JJB Sports bought a 10.1% stake in Umbro in a move to protect its stake in the market for England football shirts. | |
'Excellent deal' | 'Excellent deal' |
In addition to the England team, Umbro also provides kit for the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Sweden. | |
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS WITH UMBRO KIT BirminghamBlackburnEvertonSunderlandWest HamWigan See Umbro's share price | |
In the Scottish Premier League, Umbro supplies kit to Rangers and Hearts. | |
Under the terms of the offer, Umbro shareholders will receive 193.06p for each Umbro share. | |
The chief executive of Umbro, Steve Makin, said the offer was an "excellent deal" for shareholders. | The chief executive of Umbro, Steve Makin, said the offer was an "excellent deal" for shareholders. |
"We will be a stronger and better business as part of Nike and this deal will allow us to accelerate our existing growth strategy by leveraging Nike's global resources and expertise," he added. | "We will be a stronger and better business as part of Nike and this deal will allow us to accelerate our existing growth strategy by leveraging Nike's global resources and expertise," he added. |
Brian Barwick, the chief executive of the FA, said: "We are delighted that the proposed acquisition will allow us to continue our strong historical relationship with Umbro while benefiting from the marketing expertise and financial strength of Nike. | Brian Barwick, the chief executive of the FA, said: "We are delighted that the proposed acquisition will allow us to continue our strong historical relationship with Umbro while benefiting from the marketing expertise and financial strength of Nike. |
"Nike has provided firm assurances that the FA relationship with Umbro will be protected and enhanced, and we look forward to working closely with both companies moving forward." | "Nike has provided firm assurances that the FA relationship with Umbro will be protected and enhanced, and we look forward to working closely with both companies moving forward." |