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JD Sports Fashion

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FY2011 Annual Report · JD Sports Fashion
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JD Sports Fashion Plc 
Hollinsbrook Way 
Pilsworth 
Bury BL9 8RR

Telephone  0161 767 1000 
Facsimile   0161 767 1001

Corporate website 
www.jdplc.com 

Trading websites 
www.jdsports.co.uk 
www.size.co.uk 
www.scottsonline.co.uk 
www.bankfashion.co.uk  
www.chausport.com 
www.getthelabel.com 
www.champion.ie 
www.canterbury.com 
www.canterburynz.com.au  
www.canterburynz.net.nz 
www.canterburynzusa.com 
www.kooga-rugby.com 
www.kukrisports.com 
www.nicholasdeakins.com

Other websites 
www.thedufferofstgeorge.com

2

Contents

Summary of Key  
Performance Indicators 
7

The Group 
at a Glance 
8

Executive Chairman’s  
Statement 
13 – 16

Financial and  
Risk Review 
19 – 21 

Property and  
Stores Review 
26 – 27

Corporate and  
Social Responsibility 
31 – 35

The  
Board 
36

Directors’  
Report 
38 – 39

Corporate  
Governance Report 
41 – 43

Directors’  
Remuneration Report 
45 – 48

Statement of  
Directors’ Responsibilities 
52

Independent  
Auditor’s Report 
54

Consolidated  
Income Statement 
56

Group and Company Consolidated  
Statement of Comprehensive Income 
56

Group and Company Consolidated  
Statement of Financial Position 
57

Group and Company Consolidated  
Statement of Changes in Equity 
58

Group and Company Consolidated  
Statement of Cash Flows 
59

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements 
60 – 102

Five Year  
Record 
103

Financial  
Calendar 
104

Shareholder  
Information 
104

3

 
4

You 
 are 
 now 
 entering  
 JD
 country

Large format outdoor media, Trafford, Manchester 
Manchester United vs Manchester City, 11 February 2011

5

6

A selection of footwear from the JD Easter 2011 campaign

Summary of Key 
Performance 
Indicators

Business Highlights

52 weeks to 29 
January 2011 
£000

52 weeks to 30 
January 2010 
£000

 % 
Change

 883,669 

 769,785 

+14.8

49.5%

 79,927 

 81,565 

(4,284)

 75,643 

 78,629 

 114.84p 

 116.86p 

 23.00p 

 86,140 

49.3%

 67,294 

 67,391 

(4,986)

 62,308 

 61,393 

 88.16p 

 93.64p 

 18.00p 

 60,465 

+18.8

+21.0

+21.4

+28.1

+30.3

+24.8

+27.8

Revenue 

Gross profit % 

Operating profit (before exceptional items) 

Profit before tax and exceptional items 

Exceptional items (i) 

Operating profit 

Profit before tax 

Basic earnings per ordinary share 

Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share 

Total dividend payable per ordinary share 

Net cash at end of year (ii) 

(i)  Excludes share of exceptional items of joint 

venture

(ii)  Net cash consists of cash and cash 

equivalents together with interest-bearing 
loans and borrowings

•  Total revenue increased by 14.8% to £883.7 
million (2010: £769.8 million) with like for like 
revenue increased by 3.1% (Sports Fascias 
3.8%; Fashion Fascias -0.7%)

•  Gross margin improved to 49.5% (2010: 49.3%) 
with increased margin in all reporting segments 
although the increase is diluted by greater 
participation in Group performance from lower 
margin distribution businesses which now 
represent 9.5% of Group revenue (2010: 5.4%)

•  Capital expenditure increased by £10.1 million to 
£33.0 million (2010: £22.9 million) which included 
the first three JD stores in France

•  The new leased warehouse building shell in 

Rochdale (866,250 sq ft including mezzanines) 
has now been handed over by the developers and 
the fit out process has started. Total anticipated fit 
out costs are approximately £20.0 million of which 
£3.9 million was incurred in the year. The move 
to full operational use will be phased through the 
early months of 2012

•  Group profit before tax and exceptional items up 

21% to £81.6 million (2010: £67.4 million)

•  Final dividend payable increased by 31% to 

•  Profit before tax up 28% to £78.6 million 

(2010: £61.4 million)

•  Net cash position at the period end increased 

to £86.1 million (2010: £60.5 million)

•  Acquisition of Sonneti, Chilli Pepper and 

Nanny State brands

19.2p (2010: 14.7p) bringing the total dividends 
payable for the year up to 23.0p (2010: 18.0p), 
an increase of 28% with a cumulative rise of 92% 
over the last two years

•  Acquisition of Champion completed post 

year end, enhancing presence in the Republic 
of Ireland

883.7

769.8

670.9

592.2

530.6

86.1

60.5

81.6

67.4

53.6

43.4

23.5

25.1

10.9

11.7

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Revenue (£m)

Net cash (£m)

Profit before tax and  
exceptional items (£m)

7

 
Established in 1981 with a single store in Bury, 
in the North West of England, JD Sports Fashion 
Plc is now an international retailer and distributor 
of sport and athletic inspired fashion clothing 
and footwear. 

The Group now has over 500 stores across a 
number of retail fascias and is proud of the fact 
that it provides its customers with the latest 
products from the very best brands.

The Group also operates on-line businesses for 
these retail fascias, providing the Group with a 
truly multichannel, international platform. 

JD is acknowledged as the leading specialist 
multiple retailer of fashionable branded and own 
brand sports and casual wear in the UK and 
Republic of Ireland, combining globally recognised 
brands such as Nike and Adidas with strong own 
brand labels such as Mckenzie, Carbrini and The 
Duffer of St George. JD has also now been 
introduced to the European market with the 
opening of our first 3 stores in France.

Size? was originally established to trial edgier 
brands and footwear styles before introducing 
them to the mass market through the JD fascia. 
Size? is positioned as an ‘independent’ retailer 
with each store having its own feel and loyal 
catchment. Size? has recently celebrated its 
10th birthday.

Scotts targets an older, more affluent male 
consumer with brands such as Duck & Cover, 
Henri Lloyd, Firetrap and Penguin, amongst others.

The Group also has a number of businesses 
which design and distribute teamwear and 
fashion product.

Canterbury was initially established in the New 
Zealand province of Canterbury in 1904 to 
manufacture and supply rugby jerseys. Backed 
by over a century of rigorous on field testing, 
Canterbury is one of the world’s largest rugby 
brands. Canterbury will be providing the kit to 
4 teams at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Kooga design, source and wholesale rugby 
apparel and equipment, with teamwear, replica 
and leisurewear ranges.  Kooga is also sole kit 
supplier to a number of professional rugby union 
and rugby league clubs.

Kukri, acquired in February 2011, sources and 
provides bespoke sports teamwear to schools, 
universities and sports clubs.  Teams design and 
order their personalised kit on-line, with over 75 
different sports catered for. In addition, Kukri 
Sports Limited is sole kit supplier to a number 
of professional sports teams.

Nicholas Deakins designs and manufactures 
predominantly men’s footwear and clothing. Since 
its inception in 1991, the brand has been moulded 
into several collections with labels including 
Nicholas Deakins Green Label clothing and 
footwear, Deakins and Deakins kids.

Bank is aimed at the young male and female, 
branded fashion-conscious consumer, selling fast 
fashion brands such as Superdry, Paul’s Boutique, 
Lipsy and Jack & Jones, as well as own brands 
such as Ribbon and Rivington. The Bank fascia 
continues to expand throughout the UK and will 
open its first store in Northern Ireland in April 2011.

Focus are involved in the design, sourcing and 
distribution of footwear and apparel both for own 
brand and under license brands, such as Ecko, 
Ellesse, Kickers and Le Coq Sportif, for both 
group and external customers.

Chausport was acquired in May 2009 and sells 
a strong range of international brands such as 
Nike, Adidas and Le Coq Sportif together with 
brands more specific to the French market such 
as Redskins.

Champion was acquired in April 2011 and is one of 
the leading retailers of sports apparel and footwear 
in the Republic of Ireland with 22 stores in premium 
locations in town centres and shopping centres. In 
addition, it also has one store in Northern Ireland.

Getthelabel.com is an on-line and catalogue 
business which offers customers significant 
savings on branded fashion and footwear.

The Group 
at a Glance

8

 
Devlin wearing The Duffer of St George rugby shirt 
and Adidas PT footwear, both exclusive to JD

9

“The year ended 
29 January 
2011 has been 
the seventh 
successive 
year of good 
progress in 
revenue and 
profitability for 
the Group”

10

Mckenzie Denim polo, exclusive to JD

11

12

Stolen Palazzo pant and 
Ribbon denim gilet, both exclusive to Bank

Executive 
Chairman’s 
Statement

Introduction

The year ended 29 January 2011 has been the seventh successive year of 
good progress in revenue and profitability for the Group. Profit before tax and 
exceptional items improved by 21% to £81.6 million (2010: £67.4 million). 
Such sustained performance continues to reflect the strength and uniqueness 
of our brand and fascia offers as well as the strength of our management 
teams. Our very strong cash position has also allowed us to continue to invest 
in brands, our store portfolios and new businesses during the year and since 
the year end.  

Group profit before tax increased by 28% in the year to £78.6 million 
(2010: £61.4 million) and Group profit after tax has increased by 31% to 
£55.9 million (2010: £42.7 million).

Group operating profit (before exceptional items) for the year was up 19% 
to £79.9 million (2010: £67.3 million) and comprises a Sports Fascias profit 
of £73.3 million (2010: £64.1 million), a Fashion Fascias profit of £6.4 million 
(2010: £3.3 million) and a Distribution segment profit of £0.2 million 
(2010: loss of £0.1 million).

The year end net cash position has risen to £86.1 million (2010: £60.5 million). 
The Group has recently negotiated terms on new committed rolling credit 
and working capital facilities totalling £75 million. These new facilities expire 
in October 2015 and when combined with our cash resources give the Group 
the funding capability to continue to develop operationally and by acquisition 
both in the United Kingdom and overseas. Confidence arising from the sustained 
period of results improvement and the strength of our balance sheet has enabled 
the Board to propose another significant increase in the level of dividends with 
a final proposed dividend increase of 31% to 19.2p (2010: 14.7p) bringing the 
total dividends payable for the year to 23.0p (2010: 18.0p), an increase of 28% 
following on from the rises of 50% and 41% in the last two years.

Acquisitions

The Sports and Fashion retail offers continue to provide consumers with a 
unique mix of sports and fashion brands in both apparel and footwear including 
a substantial range of exclusive products as well as exclusive licensed and 
own brands such as Mckenzie and Carbrini. We have continued to invest in 
increasing the own brand offers through the acquisition of the Sonneti, Chilli 
Pepper and Nanny State brands for a total consideration of £2.1 million. Since 
the year end we have continued this strategy by acquiring the Fenchurch 
brand for £1.1 million. 

The strength of the JD offering gives potential for further replication 
internationally, albeit in Europe initially. We see this as a key opportunity 
wherever brands recognise our strength in developing brands and maintaining 
their prestige. We started to exploit this opportunity when we acquired the 
French retailer Chausport in May 2009. The first full year since the acquisition 
contributed £36.4 million of revenue and £0.5 million of operating profit. 
Like for like sales grew by 12.5% in the year and gross margin improved by 
2.7% but overheads increased to support the opening of three JD stores in 
France which opened late in the year. These latter stores are performing to 
expectations so far. 

We are looking at potential acquisitions and joint ventures in other territories 
on a regular basis and we have no doubt that the Chausport acquisition has 
enhanced our visibility and credibility as an overseas investor. Since the year 
end we have acquired a further Sports Fascia chain in the Republic of Ireland, 
Champion Sports (Holdings) (‘Champion’), for a nominal amount and have 
also advanced €17.1 million to allow it to settle all of its indebtedness save 
for €2.5 million of leasing finance. This has added 22 stores to the 8 already 
operated in the Republic of Ireland and gives us a significant market position 
throughout the whole of Ireland. It also gives us more local knowledge and a 
strong management team on the ground. 

After the year end we also acquired 80% of Kukri Sports Limited which 
provides a bespoke teamwear offering across a wide range of sports in a 
number of countries.

13

 
Sports Fascias

The Sports Fascias’ total revenue increased by 8% during the period to £667.2 
million (2010: £615.5 million) with like for like sales for the year up by a further 
3.8% (2010: 2.3%).

Gross margin achieved in the Sports Fascias increased from 50.6% to 51.0% 
which we attribute to the continued improvement in the terminal stock position 
in JD plus the impact from the extension of enhanced Group supplier terms 
into the Chausport business.

As a result of this improved margin and continuing enhancement of the store 
portfolio and its efficiencies, the operating profit (before exceptional items) 
of the Sports Fascias rose to £73.3 million (2010: £64.1 million) in the year, 
including a contribution of £0.5 million from Chausport (2010: £0.7 million). 
The contribution from Chausport is lower than the previous year due to 
the seasonal losses incurred in the early part of the year which were pre-
acquisition in the prior year.

The programme of store development has continued with 28 store openings 
and 24 refurbishments or conversions. These include the opening of our first 3 
JD stores in France (of which 1 was a conversion of a former Chausport store 
in Lille), 5 new Chausport stores, 2 new Size? stores and 3 new JD stores in 
airport locations. We have also opened a JD store at one of the UK’s busiest 
train stations (Liverpool Street) which is our first store in this type of location 
and, if successful, could be replicated in other major stations. 21 Sports 
Fascias stores were closed in the period including 6 smaller Chausport stores.

Fashion Fascias

The Fashion Fascias are Bank and Scotts.

The Bank Fascia stores sell largely branded fashion to both males and 
females, predominantly for the teenage to mid twenties sector. In the year 
the store portfolio grew from 65 stores to 74 stores, still based predominantly 
in the North and the Midlands. Total revenue in the year was £102.4 million 
(2010: £82.8 million). This represents an organic decrease of 0.9% (2010: 
+4.7%) although this decrease came from trading in the first half of the year 
when the organic performance was measured against heavy clearance from 
the prior year. This reduction in clearance activity is reflected in the fact that 
gross margin achieved improved by a further 0.5% to 48.9% (2010: 48.4%) 
after an increase of 2.3% in the prior year. Operating profit (before exceptional 
items) was £5.2 million (2010: £3.0 million). The Board remains confident 
that there is a significant opportunity to grow operating margin in this Fascia 
through better stock management, own brand development and disciplined 
store rollout although this will be challenging in 2011 as a result of VAT, cotton 
and other fibre price increases and changes in brand distribution policy.

The Scotts Fascia stores sell branded fashion to older more affluent males and 
there were 37 stores at the year end, largely in the North and the Midlands. 
Total revenue in the year was £31.7 million (2010: £31.8 million) which was 
flat organically. However, the balance of trading towards full price full margin 
improved significantly driving an increase in the gross margin achieved to 
49.5% (2010: 47.4%). This has led to an improved operating result with 
operating profit (before exceptional items) of £1.2 million (2010: £0.3 million). 

Distribution

The Distribution businesses delivered a small operating profit of £0.2 million 
(2010: loss of £0.1 million) with a profit from Canterbury offset by ongoing 
investment to build Getthelabel.com within Topgrade, and by losses incurred 
in Kooga’s quietest trading period of the year, much of which fell prior to its 
acquisition last year.

Canterbury delivered an operating profit of £1.1 million (2010: £0.1 million) on 
total revenues of £48.3 million (2010: £15.4 million) with a strong performance 
in both Australia and New Zealand where the brand was more sheltered from 
the events that led to the administration of the former UK based Canterbury 
business in 2009. The brand is still rebuilding its global network and it is hoped 
that longer term gains will come from the new licences in South Africa and 
Argentina, and the launch of a UK based business (in which we are the 75% 
majority shareholder) focusing on developing a more fashion based product 
offer to leverage the brand’s image and credibility. Canterbury will be providing 
the kit for 4 teams at the forthcoming Rugby World Cup and the Board are 
confident that this global exposure will enhance the reputation and penetration 
of the Brand.  

The Getthelabel.com on-line and catalogue business within Topgrade has now 
been trading for over a year. Its sales progress is encouraging and on schedule 
but the marketing and other investment required to achieve this means that 
we believe it could take a further two years before it has sufficient critical 
mass to deliver profits to the Group. This is not unusual in such businesses 
and we remain optimistic about the long term profitability of this venture. As 
a consequence of this, sales rose to £26.6 million (2010: £19.7 million) but 
losses rose to £0.8 million (2010: £0.4 million) in the year. This was in line with 
our expectations and we subsequently increased our stake in Topgrade from 
51% to 80% during the year at a cost of £1.2 million.

Kooga Rugby went through a difficult period under its previous ownership and 
a lot of effort has been focused on improving control over the commerciality 
of the sponsorship properties and the profitability of product ranges and 
accounts. An operating loss of £0.3 million was recorded for the year (2010: 
profit of £0.2 million for the post-acquisition period) on sales of £6.5 million 
(2010: £5.0 million). We have strengthened the management team which we 
believe will lead to improvements in operating performance in due course.

Nicholas Deakins recorded a profit of £0.2 million (2010: £0.0 million) on 
turnover of £3.4 million (2010: £2.5 million) in the year.

Joint Venture

Focus Brands Limited is involved in the design, sourcing and distribution of 
footwear and apparel both for own brand and under license brands for both 
group and external customers. Our share of operating results for the year was 
an operating profit before exceptional items and after tax of £1.5 million 
(2010: £0.5 million).

The exceptional items in the current year relate to unrealised gains on foreign 
exchange contracts and the reversal of the impairment of the investment 
held by Focus Brands Limited in Focus Group Holdings Limited, following 
repayment of original purchase consideration by the vendors of Focus Group 
Holdings Limited.  The exceptional items in the prior year relate entirely to 
unrealised losses on foreign exchange contracts.

After the year end we increased our holding in this business to 80% at an 
initial cost of £1.0 million with potential further deferred consideration of 
£250,000 depending on performance. The performance of this business will be 
included in the Distribution segment in future.

Group Performance

Revenue 
Total revenue increased by 14.8% in the year to £883.7 million (2010: £769.8 
million) principally as a result of three factors: the Group’s positive like for like 
sales performance of 3.1%, a net increase of 15 stores and £41.5 million of 
sales from the pre acquisition period of the Chausport, Canterbury and Kooga 
businesses.

Gross margin  
Gross margin achieved increased in all segments. However, an increase in 
the participation of the lower margin distribution businesses within the Group’s 
overall performance from 5.4% to 9.5% means that the growth in overall Group 
gross margin was limited to 0.2%.

Operating profits 
Operating profit (before exceptional items) increased by £12.6 million to £79.9 
million (2010: £67.3 million), a 19% increase on last year which follows a 24% 
rise in the previous year. Group operating margin (before exceptional items) 
has therefore increased by a further 0.3% to 9.0% (2010: 8.7%).

Following a decrease in the exceptional items to £4.3 million (2010: £5.0 
million), Group operating profit rose from £62.3 million to £75.6 million.

The exceptional items (excluding share of exceptional items in joint venture) 
comprise:                                     

Impairment of investment property 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets 

Onerous lease provision 

Total exceptional charge 

 £m

1.0

1.5

1.8

4.3

The impairment of investment property relates to a writedown in the valuation 
of the St Albans warehouse occupied by Focus.

The loss on disposal includes both closed stores and assets written off in 
refurbished stores.

The charge for onerous lease provisions includes £1.1 million for non-trading 
stores and £0.7 million for trading stores.

Working Capital and Financing

As a consequence of having net cash throughout the year, the Group has net 
financing income of £0.2 million compared to net financing costs in the prior 
year of £0.4 million.

Year end net cash of £86.1 million represented a £25.6 million improvement on 
the position at January 2010 (£60.5 million).

14

 
Net capital expenditure including disposal costs and premia received increased 
in the year to £32.4 million (2010: £23.0 million) with capital expenditure 
excluding disposal costs increasing by £10.1 million to £33.0 million (2010: 
£22.9 million). This increase was focused on the core Sports Fascias where 
the spend increased by £10.7 million to £25.6 million which included an 
additional £3.9 million in the French business combined with £3.9 million 
of spend connected with the new 866,250 sq ft warehouse (616,250 sq ft 
footprint) at Kingsway, Rochdale. The Board anticipate that approximately 
£15 million will be incurred in the year to 28 January 2012 on fitting out of the 
warehouse. The demonstrable success of investing in the store portfolio means 
that we anticipate maintaining spend on the stores at the current level.

Spend in the Fashion fascias decreased slightly by £0.7 million to £6.7 million. 
This decrease does not mean that the Group is reducing its investment in the 
Fashion fascias and is more a function of availability of appropriate property 
and the timing of the projects.

Working capital remains well controlled with suppliers continuing to be paid to 
agreed terms and settlement discounts taken whenever due. 

Store Portfolio

We have made a further significant investment in the store portfolio during the 
year with expenditure on both new stores and refurbishments of existing space. 
We have also continued to rationalise our store portfolio wherever possible 
but, with the current economic climate impacting heavily on retail property 
occupancy levels, it remains very difficult to dispose of underperforming and/or 
duplicate stores.

There was a net increase of 6 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland JD and 
Size? portfolios with 21 new stores offset by 15 closures. Our overall presence 
has increased in France by 1 store with 7 new stores (including 2 JD stores 
in Paris and Lyon) offset by the closure of 6 smaller Chausport stores. In 
addition, one Chausport store has been converted to the JD ‘King of Trainers’ 
format in Lille and the success of that trial means that we will convert a further 
2 Chausport stores (in Angers and Amiens) to this format in the current period.

There was a net addition of 9 stores in the Bank fascia with 13 store openings 
offset by the closure of 4 stores. A loss making duplicate Scotts store in 
Chester was also closed in the period.

We have refurbished a total of 29 stores in the year (including 3 stores where 
space has been transferred between fascias). This means that over the last 
four years we have opened a total of 108 stores and refurbished a further 
 123 stores.

During the year, store numbers (excluding trading websites) moved as follows:

Sports Fascias 

Start of year

New stores

Transfers (1)

Closures

Remeasures

Close of year

JD and Size? 
(UK and Republic of Ireland)

JD 
(France)

Chausport

Total

Units

345

21

-

(15)

-

351

000 sq ft

1,100

65

(1)

(35)

2

1,131

Units

000 sq ft

Units

000 sq ft

-

2

1

-

-

3

-

4

1

-

-

5

75

5

(1)

(6)

-

73

78

10

(1)

(6)

(2)

79

(1)   One JD store (Cardiff) was transferred to Bank in the period offset by the transfer of one store from Bank to JD (Sutton Coldfield). 

One former Chausport store (Lille) was converted into a JD store.

Fashion Fascias 

Start of year

New stores

Transfers

Closures

Remeasures

Close of year

Bank

Units

000 sq ft

65

13

-

(4)

-

74

176

42

1

(9)

-

210

Scotts

000 sq ft

85

-

-

(6)

(3)

76

Units

38

-

-

(1)

-

37

Units

420

28

-

(21)

-

427

Units

103

13

-

(5)

-

111

000 sq ft

1,178

79

(1)

(41)

-

1,215

Total

000 sq ft

261

42

1

(15)

(3)

286

15

Dividends and Earnings per Share

The Board proposes paying a final dividend of 19.20p (2010: 14.70p) bringing the 
total dividend payable for the year to 23.00p (2010: 18.00p) per ordinary share. 
The proposed final dividend will be paid on 1 August 2011 to all shareholders 
on the register at 6 May 2011. The final dividend has been increased by 31% 
with total dividends payable for the year increased by 28%. This follows a 50% 
increase in the full year dividend in the prior year.

The adjusted earnings per ordinary share before exceptional items were 116.86p 
(2010: 93.64p).

The basic earnings per ordinary share were 114.84p (2010: 88.16p).

Employees

As ever, after another record year, it is right to give credit and thanks to all our 
employees around the world for delivering such exceptional results. We remain 
committed to continuing to develop their skills and prospects through our 
success, training and quality of operation.

Current Trading and Outlook

Following successive years of record results for the Group, the retail environment 
has recently been significantly impacted by adverse fiscal changes in addition 
to the multiple current economic pressures. Specifically, the increase in VAT for 
the year to 28 January 2012 means that the same level of gross takings will 
produce a contribution of approximately £16 million less than the previous year. 
Simultaneously, but quite separately, we anticipate a reduction of real expenditure 
levels by consumers at a time when product costs, particularly imported goods, 
are increasing at a material rate. 

Trading for the early part of the current financial year has been difficult to gauge 
when Easter falls three weeks later than last year.  For the 8 weeks to 26 March 
2011 gross like for like sales (including e-commerce) were +0.4% whilst net sales 
have declined 1.2% (Sports Fascias -1.4%, Fashion Fascias +0.0%).  The decline 
in net sales and the resulting reduced margin are directly as a result of the fiscal 
changes referred to above.

Our core business already possesses very strong sales densities and margins, 
being the result of continual growth in both measures for several years. Against 
that background, therefore, it is inevitable that the Board is extremely cautious in 
its outlook, particularly when the profits achieved for the year to 29 January 2011 
are effectively rebased purely as a result of the impact of increased VAT.

On the positive side the business delivers strong operating ratios and high levels 
of free cash generation. It has a robust balance sheet with £86.1 million net cash 
balances at the year end which leaves the Group well positioned to extend the 
retail opportunities which may arise and to continue to pursue a progressive 
dividend policy.

Management remain highly focused on all avenues of revenue growth, margin 
protection and cost control available to us to endeavour to deliver the optimum 
outturn, minimise the impact of the factors above and, with a strong balance 
sheet and dominant market position in our core business, we expect to be able 
to deliver operational and financial progress for the Group over the long term. 
Opportunities for profit growth overseas and development of our differentiated 
and own brand proposition, combined with prospects for growth in our Distribution 
business, all help to reduce the current threats to long term Group profitability and 
give us the opportunity to maintain positive long term momentum in our business.

A further update will be made in our Interim Management Statement no later than 
17 June 2011.

Peter Cowgill
Executive Chairman 
13 April 2011

16

Nicholas Deakins Guvnor jacket,
available at Scotts 

17

18

Fred Perry shirt and jacket, 
available at Scotts

Financial 
and Risk 
Review

Introduction

Treasury Facilities

The £70 million bank syndicated facility which 
was agreed in October 2006 was due to expire in 
October 2011. This facility included a £60 million 
revolving credit facility. Its availability provided the 
Group with the funds to make major investments 
should the appropriate opportunity have arisen.

The Board are keen to maintain this ability to move 
quickly and so a new syndicated facility has been 
agreed. This facility is for £75 million over 54 months 
to October 2015. The £60 million revolving credit 
facility has been maintained but the working capital 
facility has been increased to £15 million. The Board 
believe that this mix of facility is appropriate as the 
cash flows are still cyclical in nature, particularly 
around the trading peak at Christmas, although we 
continue to try and remove the quarterly peaks from 
the store rent payments by negotiating monthly rent 
payments wherever possible at no additional cost. 

The terms of this facility are disclosed in note 35 to 
the accounts. The previous facility was negotiated 
in 2006 when margins on bank facilities were 
at a different level. Accordingly, the margin that 
will be payable on the new facility has increased 
from 0.75% to 1.25%. This new rate is in the 
lower quartile of margins that are being agreed 
on bank facilities at the current time. Significant 
improvements in other areas of the new facility 
pertaining to the Group’s ability to make investment 
decisions have been obtained during the negotiation 
process. The Board therefore believes that the new 
facility enables the Group to make quick decisions 
on significant investments, whilst giving increased 
flexibility in the shorter term working capital cycle.

Interest rate hedging has not been put in place on 
the new facility. The Directors continue to be 
mindful of the potential volatility in base rates, but 
at present do not consider a long term interest rate 
hedge to be necessary given that the facility is not 
used during substantial periods of the year. 
This position is reviewed regularly, along with 
the level of facility required.

The Group’s principal foreign exchange exposure 
continues to be on the sourcing of own brand 
merchandise from the Far East which usually has 
to be paid for in US Dollars. A buying rate is set at 
the start of the buying season (typically six to nine 
months before product is received). At this point, 
the Group aims to protect the anticipated US Dollar 
requirement at rates at, or above, the buying rate 
through appropriate foreign exchange instruments. 

The Group’s forecast requirement for US Dollars 
in the period to January 2012 is $86 million. Cover 
is now in place for 2011 for $83 million meaning 
that the Group is currently exposed on exchange 
rate movements for $3 million of the current year’s 
estimated requirement. The anticipated requirement 
for the period to January 2013 is $95 million with 
$10 million of cover in place at the current time.

Profit before tax increased by £17.2 million to 
£78.6 million in the year. This improvement 
was achieved through:

•  Sales growth, both organic and from net new 

space opened, in both the Sports and Fashion 
Retail Fascias

•  Improvement in gross margin achieved in all 

segments

•  Improved net cash position leading to net interest 

received rather than paid

Taxation 

The effective rate of tax on profit has decreased 
by 1.5% to 28.9% primarily due to a decrease 
in non-qualifying impairments within exceptional 
items, combined with the utilisation of previously 
unrecognised deferred tax assets.

Excluding both exceptional items and prior year 
adjustments, the effective core tax rate has 
decreased from 30.2% to 28.9%. This core effective 
tax rate continues to be above the standard rate 
due to the depreciation of non-current assets and 
the incurrence of professional fees on corporate 
transactions, both of which do not qualify for any 
form of tax relief.

Earnings per Share

The basic earnings per share has increased by 
30% from 88.16p to 114.84p. However, the Directors 
consider the adjusted earnings per share to be a 
more appropriate measure of the Group’s earnings 
performance since it excludes the post-tax effect of 
exceptional items (other than the loss on disposal 
of non-current assets). The adjusted earnings per 
share increased by 25% from 93.64p to 116.86p.

Dividends

A final cash dividend of 19.20p per share is 
proposed which, if approved, would represent an 
increase of 31% on the final dividend from the prior 
year. Added to the interim dividend of 3.80p per 
share, this takes the full year dividend to 23.00p, 
which is an increase of 28% on the prior year. 
The full year dividend has therefore grown by 92% 
in 2 years. The dividend is covered 5.0 times by 
basic earnings per share and 5.1 times by the 
adjusted earnings per share.

Net Cash

The year end net cash position has increased by 
£25.6 million to £86.1 million. Net capital 
expenditure including disposal costs and premia 
received increased in the year by £9.4 million to 
£32.4 million with a further £9.6 million spent on the 
acquisition of intangible assets (brands and 
licences) in the year. In spite of the heavy level of 
capital expenditure, the continued improvement in 
the net cash position has enabled the Group to 
deliver a further substantial enhancement in the 
dividends to shareholders. The strong net cash 
position also means that we are likely to fund the 
approximately £20 million fit out of the new 866,250 
sq ft (616,250 sq ft footprint) warehouse in 
Rochdale from available cash. This expenditure on 
the warehouse will not affect the investment that we 
are making in the store portfolio, both in terms of 
taking on new space and refurbishing existing 
space, as this spend continues to drive improved 
returns from the core retail businesses.

The net cash position has continued to benefit from 
improved merchandising controls over stocks in the 
retail fascias. Trade creditors continue to be paid 
to terms to maximise settlement discounts with the 
period end creditor days being 33 (2010: 36). 

19

20

Chausport, Houdemont, Nancy, France

Intellectual property 
The Group’s trademarks, patents designs and other 
intellectual property rights are critical in maintaining 
the value of the Group’s own brands and ensuring 
that the Group’s businesses can use these 
brands exclusively is critical in providing a point 
of differentiation to their customers. The Group 
therefore works with third party organisations to 
ensure that the Group’s intellectual property is 
registered in all relevant territories. The Group also 
actively works to prevent counterfeit product being 
passed off as legitimate.

Personnel 
The success of the Group is partly dependent 
upon the continued service of its key management 
personnel and upon its ability to attract, motivate 
and retain suitably qualified employees. To help 
achieve this continued service, the Group has 
competitive reward packages for all of its staff. 

More specifically for the retail businesses, the 
Group also has a long established and substantial 
training function which seeks to develop training 
for all levels of retail employees and thereby 
increase morale and improve staff retention. 
This then ensures that knowledge of the Group’s 
differentiated product offering is not lost, thereby 
enhancing customer service.

Treasury
Whilst the Group does not have any borrowings 
from its core syndicated facility currently, any 
borrowings that will be made are at variable rates 
linked to LIBOR.  Further details of the Group’s 
interest rate risk are provided in note 24 on page 88.

The Group operates internationally and is exposed 
to foreign exchange risk arising from various 
currency exposures but primarily with respect to the 
US dollar. As described earlier, this risk is managed 
through the use of appropriate foreign currency 
contracts. Further information is also provided in 
note 24 on page 88.

Brian Small 
Group Finance Director 
13 April 2011

IT 
The Group relies on its IT systems and networks 
and those of the banks and the credit card companies 
to service its retail customers all year round. 

The principal legacy enterprise system is ideally 
suited to the operations of the business but it is 
heavily reliant on a very limited number of key 
development staff. This risk is being mitigated 
by improving documentation of the system and 
increasing the development team. At some time 
in the future the risk could be further mitigated by 
moving to third party enterprise systems but not 
without additional risk and significant additional cost.

Any long term interruption in the availability of the 
core enterprise system would have a significant 
impact on the retail businesses. The Group 
manages this risk by the principal IT servers being 
housed in a third party location which has a mirror 
back up available should the primary servers or 
links fail. 

Distribution Specific

Credit risk 
The distribution businesses could have a credit 
risk if credit evaluations were not performed on all 
customers requiring credit over a certain amount. 
If the credit report presents an adverse picture the 
management of the business concerned take a 
commercial decision as to whether credit should 
be given. All customers are monitored closely with 
outstanding amounts chased rigorously and future 
supplies stopped where necessary. Provisions are 
made for customer debts where there is a probable 
risk of non-payment.

All Businesses

Economic factors 
As with other retailers and distributors into retail 
businesses, the demand for the Group’s products 
is influenced by a number of economic factors, 
notably interest rates, the availability of consumer 
credit, employment levels and ultimately, disposable 
incomes. This is particularly relevant at the current 
time, where there are significant cutbacks within 
national and local government and so many 
consumers have had to cut back on non-essential 
spending. The Group seeks to manage this risk by 
offering a highly desirable and competitively priced 
product range, which is differentiated to that of the 
Group’s competitors.

Reliance on non-UK manufacturers 
The majority of both third party branded product 
and the Group’s own branded product is sourced 
outside of the UK. The Group is therefore exposed 
to the risks associated with international trade and 
transport as well as different legal systems and 
operating standards. Whilst the Group can manage 
the risk in the supply chain on its own and licensed 
products, it has little control over the supply chain 
within the third party brands. As such, the Group is 
exposed to events which may not be under its control.

The Group works with its suppliers to ensure that 
the products being sourced satisfy increasingly 
stringent laws and regulations governing issues 
of health and safety, packaging and labelling and 
other social and environmental factors.

Risk Factors

Any business undertaking will involve some risk 
with many risk factors common to any business no 
matter what segment it operates in. The Directors 
acknowledge however that certain risks and 
uncertainties are more specific to the Group and 
the markets in which its businesses operate. The 
principal risk factors are assessed below:

Retail Specific

Brands 
The retail fascias sell a mixture of third party and 
own brand product (includes exclusive licences). 
Therefore, it is heavily dependent on these brands 
being desirable to the customer. The Group needs 
all of its third party and own brands to maintain 
their design and marketing prominence. The Group 
also seeks to ensure it is not overly reliant on a 
small number of brands by offering a stable of 
brands which is constantly evolving. This includes 
actively seeking additional brands which it can 
either own or license exclusively.

Retail property factors 
The retail landscape has seen significant changes 
in recent years with a number of new developments 
opened and a high volume of retail units becoming 
vacant. The Group can be exposed where it has 
committed itself to a long lease in a location which, 
as a result of a more recent retail development, is 
no longer as attractive to the customer so suffers 
from reduced footfall. Wherever possible, the Group 
will seek either to take out new leases for a period 
not exceeding 10 years or to negotiate lease 
breaks, thereby limiting this potential exposure and 
affording the Group increased flexibility to respond 
to such changes.

When the Group determines that the store 
performance is unsatisfactory it approaches the 
landlords to agree a surrender of the lease. Where 
this is not possible, the Group would seek to 
assign the lease or sublet it to another retailer. In 
many cases, this necessitates the payment of an 
incentive to the other retailer. The Group is mindful 
of current economic factors and the adverse impact 
on the potential for disposal from the high volume 
of vacant units already available as a consequence 
of a number of retailers going out of business in 
recent years.

However, assigning the lease or finding a sub-
tenant is not without risk because if the other 
retailer fails then the liability to pay the rent usually 
reverts to the head lessee. The Group monitors 
the financial condition of the assignees closely for 
evidence that the possibility of a store returning is 
more that remote and makes a provision for the 
return of stores if this risk becomes probable. The 
Board reviewed the list of assigned leases as at 29 
January 2011 and does not feel that there are any 
situations where the risk of the lease returning is 
either more than remote or probable.

Warehouse operations 
Warehousing operations in the UK are currently 
split across two main sites. The Group has now 
taken possession of the new warehouse in 
Rochdale and whilst the consolidation of activity 
and increased automation within the picking 
process will bring significant operational and cost 
benefits, there is an increased risk from both 
equipment and system failure, together with the 
inherent risk of having all the stock in one location. 
The Group is working with its insurers on a robust 
Business Continuity Plan which will come into 
effect once the new warehouse becomes 
operational in mid 2012.

The Group is also working on a robust change 
management plan to ensure that there is no 
interruption to supply to stores during the transition 
phase from the current warehouses to the new facility.

Seasonality 
The Group’s core retail business is highly seasonal. 
Historically, the Group’s most important trading 
period in terms of sales, profitability and cash flow 
has been the Christmas season. Lower than expected 
performance in this period may have an adverse 
impact on results for the full year, which may cause 
excess inventories that are difficult to liquidate.

21

  
“Profit before 
tax and 
exceptional 
items improved 
by 21% to 
£81.6 million”

Pure Simple Sport hoody and leggings, both exclusive to JD

23

24

25

Property and  
Stores Review

UK and Republic of Ireland

We continue to invest significantly in the store 
portfolio both in terms of new stores and major 
refurbishments of existing space. 34 new stores 
opened in the period (21 Sports Fascias stores 
and 13 Fashion Fascias stores) and 18 major 
refurbishments were carried out and a further 2 
stores were refitted following a transfer between 
fascias. This means that over the last three 
years we have opened a total of 88 stores and 
refurbished a further 83 stores. As a consequence, 
approximately 37% of the UK and Republic of 
Ireland store portfolio as at 29 January 2011 has 
a store fit which is less than three years old. We 
maintain our belief that the modern and fashionable 
environment which we provide in our stores is 
of essential appeal to our customers and that 
maintenance of the spend at current levels will have 
a positive impact on future financial performance.

The 21 new Sports Fascias stores included 12 
stores in new locations (including 2 Size? stores) 
with the remaining 9 being replacement of existing 
space. Included within the new stores are 3 new 
stores at airport locations. We have also opened a 
JD store at one of the UK’s busiest train stations 
(Liverpool Street) which is our first store in this type 
of location and, if successful, could be replicated 
in other major stations or transport hubs. We have 
opened 3 new Sports Fascias stores in the UK and 
Republic of Ireland to date in the current period 
and anticipate that we will open approximately 
17 stores over the full year of which 3 will be 
replacements of existing space. We anticipate that 
we will close approximately 10 Sports Fascias 
stores during the period including the 3 to be 
closed for replacements, of which 2 are smaller 
stores currently planned for conversion to the 
Scotts fascia.

The 13 new Fashion Fascias stores were all 
new Bank stores with 3 of the stores being 
replacements of existing space including the 
opening of a new 5,300 sq ft store in the Trafford 
Centre which is 2,600 sq ft larger than the old 
store. The old store in the Trafford Centre was 
typical of the stores which we inherited when we 
acquired the business in December 2007. However, 
we believe that stores of this size are too small 
to present a full product offer to both a male and 
female consumer and so the emphasis for the store 
openings in the current year will be on larger space 
in prime locations with strong footfall in the fascia’s 
heartlands in the Midlands, North of England and 
Scotland. These planned openings also include 
a store in Belfast which would represent Bank’s 
first store in Ireland. We maintain our belief that 
the store model and product offer from Bank can 
support a portfolio across the UK and Republic 
of Ireland in excess of 100 stores. However, we 
do not feel yet that we have a product and brand 
proposition that we can roll out in significant 
numbers across the South of England and it is 
this product development together with improving 
the margin which will ultimately drive enhanced 
future performance from this fascia. We currently 
plan to open 10 new Bank stores in the current 
period of which one has already opened to date. 
No new Scotts stores opened in the period but we 
do currently plan to open 3 new Scotts stores in the 
coming year including the conversions of 2 former 
JD stores.

The 18 major refurbishments included extensive 
refits of the JD stores in Bullring, Uxbridge, 
Cheshunt and Bolton Middlebrook. 

26

The performance from stores which have been 
refurbished continues to be pleasing with sales 
growth exceeding the average growth across 
all stores by more than 10%. This performance 
justifies continued significant investment in 
refurbishments and so it is likely that we will refit 
a similar number of stores in the current year. 
Refurbishments planned for the current year 
include extensions in 3 JD stores where we will 
take additional space to enable us to offer an 
enhanced product and brand offer.

We have also continued to rationalise our store 
portfolio but, with the current economic climate 
impacting heavily on retail property occupancy 
levels, it remains very difficult to dispose of stores, 
unless leases have ended or contain a break 
facility. We have, however, closed a further 20 
underperforming and/or duplicate stores during 
the year (15 Sports Fascias stores and 5 Fashion 
Fascias stores). 3 JD stores have closed to date in 
the current period.

France

In May 2009 we acquired Chausport SA who are 
primarily a retailer of sports footwear in France. 
This strategic acquisition gave the Group the 
opportunity for future growth by entering a new and 
sizeable European market outside of its established 
base in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

7 new stores have opened in the period (5 
Chausport and 2 JD) and 8 refurbishments 
have been completed. In addition we have also 
converted the former Chausport store in Lille to a 
JD Fascia. The 5 new Chausport stores opened 
included 4 replacements of existing space and 1 
store in a new location.

Sports Fascias

JD – UK and Republic of Ireland

JD – France

Chausport

Size

First Sport

Nike (i)

Other Fascias

Total

(i)  Store subsequently closed in current period.

Fashion Fascias

Bank

Scotts

Total

Group Total

The initial performance of the JD fascia stores 
has been pleasing with the converted store in 
Lille currently performing over 100% ahead of the 
historical performance after 17 full trading weeks. 
This performance has given us the confidence 
to extend the trial and so we will convert 2 other 
Chausport stores to the JD fascia in the current 
year. In addition, we would also like to open at least 
2 other JD stores in major conurbations and malls 
in France, subject to locating suitable sites. Whilst 
identifying suitable sites for JD in France is critical, 
the performance of the JD business will also be 
heavily influenced by optimising the brand and 
product mix and tailoring this to the local market 
where appropriate.

Chausport has historically not been well 
represented in the major conurbations, as the 
business has often been unable to pay the high 
level of key money which is necessary to secure 
access to these locations. The future strategy for 
France will involve continuing to trial the JD fascia 
in a number of major cities and shopping malls 
where we will not self compete, whilst maintaining 
the Chausport fascia in the smaller regional towns 
and shopping centres where it is well established.

In the current year we also intend to open 
approximately 2 new Chausport stores in France 
and refurbish/relocate a similar number. These 
stores will be fitted out using a store design 
which the management team have developed 
internally over the last 3 years. The performance 
of stores fitted out using this design continues to 
be promising and so the management team are 
confident that it is right to roll this fit out in future 
Chausport stores.

As with the UK and Republic of Ireland portfolio, 
stores will be closed where necessary. We have 
closed 6 Chausport stores during the year and 
we currently anticipate that 2 stores will be closed 
during the period, although one of these will relate 
to the relocation of an old Chausport store into 
larger space and a location with stronger footfall.

Store Portfolio

The store portfolio for the Group at 29 January 
2011 and 30 January 2010 can be analysed 
as follows:

No. Stores

000 sq ft

2011

2010

2011

2010

322

315

1,080

1,048

3

73

19

7

1

2

-

75

17

8

2

3

5

79

27

19

2

3

-

78

23

22

3

4

427

420

1,215

1,178

No. Stores

000 sq ft

2011

2010

2011

2010

74

37

65

38

111

103

210

76

286

176

85

261

538

523

1,501

1,439

27

28

King of Trainers, 
a JD fascia, Lille, France, 
opened 27 November 2010

“The year end net 
cash position has 
risen to £86.1 million”

29

Darfield Kiwi tee and Huntley check shirt, 
Canterbury Spring/Summer 2011 range 

30

Corporate and  
Social Responsibility

The Group recognises that it has a responsibility to ensure its business 
is carried out in a way that ensures high standards of environmental and 
human behaviour. With the help and co-operation of all employees, the Group 
endeavours to comply with all relevant laws in order to meet that duty and 
responsibility wherever it operates. The major contributions of the Group in this 
respect are detailed below. 

RETAIL BUSINESSES

Employment

The Group is a large equal opportunities employer and a large training 
organisation, with the Group’s retail businesses providing direct employment 
and career development to thousands of people, primarily across the UK, 
Republic of Ireland and France. The Group employs large numbers of school 
leavers and university graduates and participates regularly in work experience 
schemes with schools and colleges across both countries. 

Training 
The Group recognises that training for all levels of staff is vital to performance 
and it also provides a mechanism for increasing morale and improving staff 
retention. This ensures that knowledge of the Group’s differentiated product 
offering is not lost, thereby enhancing customer service. 

Retail staff at all levels in the Group’s core UK and Republic of Ireland retail 
fascias are encouraged to seek development and progression ultimately up to 
management level, with training provided by the Group’s long established and 
substantial training function. Training is given in four main areas:

New management induction

Training academy for new 
managers

Junior management 
development

Management and 
leadership workshops

No. of 
courses in 
a year

19

3

70

15

Length of 
course

1 week

12 weeks

1 day

1 day

No. of 
people on 
each course

18

20

10

8

Chausport operate their own training programme. However, the managers 
and assistant managers of the JD stores in France have their own bespoke 
training programme organised by the UK training function which is designed to 
ensure they operate their stores to standards consistent with JD in the UK and 
Republic of Ireland.

Equal opportunities 
The Group is committed to promoting policies which are designed to ensure 
that employees and those who seek to work for the Group are treated equally 
regardless of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, creed, colour, race or 
ethnic origin. 

The Group gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment 
by people who are disabled, to continue whenever possible the development 
of staff who become disabled and to provide equal opportunities for the 
career development of disabled employees. It is also Group policy to provide 
opportunities for the large number of people seeking flexible or part time hours. 

Communication
The number and geographic dispersion of the Group’s operating locations 
make it difficult, but essential, to communicate effectively with employees. 

Communication with retail staff is primarily achieved through the management 
in the regional and area operational structures. In addition, formal 
communications informing all employees of the financial performance of 
the Group are issued on a regular basis by the Group’s Human Resources 
Department in the form of ‘Team Briefs’. 

31

Stuart Fielden of Wigan Warriors 
Rugby League Club and England, 
wearing Kooga EVX shoulder pad 

32

The Group is committed to using and subsequently reporting on appropriate 
KPIs with regards to energy usage. Accordingly, the Group can report the 
following in respect of locations in the UK and Republic of Ireland that 
have been present for the full year for both years. As this is a like for like 
comparison, the 2010 data has been updated to reflect store openings and 
disposals in the current year:

2011

2010

% 
Change

Energy Usage – Electricity (MWh)

46,242

47,555

Energy Usage – Natural Gas (MWh)

Total Energy Use (MWh)

Carbon Footprint (Tonnes CO2)

4,208

50,450

25,631

4,453

52,008

26,383

-3%

-6%

-3%

-3%

The Group has pledged to reduce its combined energy usage from these 
levels by 3% year on year on a like for like basis until the end of the scheme. 
This target and the associated operating standards that drive this target apply 
to all the Group’s businesses.

The Group has again invested heavily in the period to 29 January 2011 in 
replacing inefficient air conditioning systems. A further 26 stores now have 
systems with market leading technologies which consume less energy whilst 
providing an appropriate temperature for staff and visitors. This replacement 
programme is ongoing and it is anticipated that a similar number of works will 
be carried out in the period to 28 January 2012.  Following the successful trial 
of lower watt bulbs in stores, the Group has now adopted these bulbs across 
all retail businesses reducing the electricity required for lighting by over 50%.

The Group is committed to investing in the necessary resources to help 
achieve its targets on reducing carbon emissions, with the following works 
planned for the year to 28 January 2012:

•  Expanding the CMP to widen the awareness campaign, through better 

training, improved communication and reporting

•  Continuing the air conditioning replacement programme

•  Increasing analysis and reporting of data provided by smart meters

•  Expanding the use of building management systems in store to allow remote 

monitoring and control

The Group is also aware of the need to purchase energy competitively from 
renewable sources wherever possible. As a result, the Group has continued 
with the Airtricity electricity supply contract in Northern Ireland and Republic 
of Ireland, who source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. 
The Company has also agreed a contract with British Gas in the UK (except 
Northern Ireland) to supply electricity from Good Quality Combined Heat 
and Power (‘GQCHP’) sources. This means the UK and Republic of Ireland 
businesses now get over 70% of all their electricity from sustainable sources. 

Health and Safety 

We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all of our employees and 
customers and actively encourage a positive health and safety culture 
throughout the organisation.  The Group recognises its responsibility for health 
and safety and there is accountability from the Group Board and throughout 
the various management levels within the business.

Our health and safety team have developed a comprehensive induction and 
training programme which is regarded as an essential part of our commitment 
to health and safety.  Targeted safety awareness campaigns are run regularly 
throughout the year and a monthly newsletter ensures that the safety message 
is communicated effectively throughout the Group.  

Our Health and Safety Committee meets regularly each year allowing 
every employee the opportunity to raise any safety concerns through their 
nominated representative.

To ensure that stores are designed and built with safety in mind, our health 
and safety team has input into all our new and refitted stores from the initial 
design through to opening.  We conduct our own audit programme to ensure 
the highest safety standards during the construction phase of all our 
shop-fit projects.

We set targets to enable us to measure our performance. During the current 
year we have seen positive improvements in the completion of internal health 
and safety inspections and risk assessments, as a result of countrywide 
presentations to the retail team, to increase awareness of our responsibilities.  

Our health and safety team regularly review the management processes we 
have in place, with the aim of maintaining our high standards, whilst adapting 
to business and legislative changes.

Environment

The Group recognises the importance of protecting our environment for 
future generations and is committed to carrying out its activities with due 
consideration for the environmental impact of its operations particularly with 
regards to:

•  Ensuring efficient use of energy and other materials

•  Minimising waste by recycling wherever possible

•  Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and codes of best practice

Energy 
It is the Group’s aim to give customers an enjoyable retail experience with goods 
presented in an environment that is both well lit and has a pleasant ambient 
temperature. However, the Group accepts that all the businesses within it must 
be responsible in their energy usage and associated carbon emissions.

To that end, the Group maintains a Carbon Management Programme (‘CMP’) 
which aims to:

•  Ensure there is an accurate baseline for consumption by working with 

electricity suppliers to ensure that bills reflect actual usage

•  Improve understanding of the drivers and timing of usage by investment in 

‘smart’ electricity meters. This has been achieved in approximately 350 of the 
Group’s stores. Combined with the stores where accurate and timely usage 
data is already received, this means that in excess of 93% of the UK and 
Republic of Ireland electricity consumption is automatically measured every 
30 minutes. In addition to accurate billing for these stores, analysis of the 
data has also shown that usage in non-trading periods is higher than would 
be expected. The usage in these periods is being reduced through additional 
training and investment in small scale building management systems 
where appropriate

•  Enhance staff awareness through training at store level, thereby ensuring 

that retail staff understand that they have a key role in the CMP

•  Pursue a multi-disciplined approach to the CMP to ensure all business 

activities are aware of their impact on energy consumption

Under the current rules of the statutory Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy 
Efficiency scheme (‘CRC’), the Group’s submission to the Environment Agency 
will be aggregated with that of Pentland Group Plc who are the Group’s 
ultimate holding company (see note 36). The Group is therefore working with 
Pentland Group Plc on ensuring an efficient and effective transfer into the 
new emissions trading scheme which was introduced in April 2010, as part of 
the CRC. From an internal Group perspective, however, the Group Finance 
Director will carry the responsibility for the entry and subsequent reporting on 
targets in the first phase of the CRC, to 2013. 

33

34

Ribbon maxi dress, exclusive to Bank, 
Religion tee and Selected denim short, 
also available at Bank

Environment (continued)

Recycling 
Wherever possible, cardboard (the major packaging constituent) is taken back 
to the Group’s distribution centres. The cardboard is then baled and passed to 
recycling businesses for reprocessing. During the year, the Group increased its 
recycling of cardboard to 423.3 tonnes (2010: 245.5 tonnes).

The Group is expanding its use of recycling opportunities wherever possible by 
introducing a Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) scheme to divert waste from landfill. 
Recycling remains split into four main elements:

•  The DMR scheme allows us to increase the recycling of cardboard, paper,
  plastics and metal containers  

•  Confidential paper waste is shredded on collection by a recycling business 

This business provides a ‘Certificate of Environmental Accomplishment’ which 
states that the shredded paper, which was collected in the year, was the 
equivalent of 1,211 trees (2010: 1,540 trees) with the reduction reflecting the 
fact that some paper which was previously disposed of as confidential waste 
to ensure it was recycled is now disposed of via the new DMR process

•  Wood and metal waste is separated at our main distribution centres to further 

reduce our waste to landfill liabilities

•  Photocopier and printer toners (laser and ink) are collected and recycled for 

charity by Environmental Business Products Limited

Plastic bags 
Approximately 40% of the bags issued by the Group are high quality drawstring 
duffle bags, which are generally reused by customers many times. However, 
the Group is aware of the environmental impact of plastic bags and has sought 
to minimise any impact through the following measures:

•  The bags are made from 33% recycled material

ALL BUSINESSES

Ethical Sourcing

The Group seeks to provide its customers with high quality and value 
merchandise from suppliers who can demonstrate compliance with 
internationally accepted core labour and ethical standards throughout 
their supply chain.

These standards are based upon the provisions of the Ethical Trading Initiative 
(‘ETI’) Base Code and specifically cover areas such as wages, working hours, 
health and safety and the right to freedom of association.

The Group requires all of its suppliers, both existing and new, to formally 
commit to implementing the provisions of the ETI Base Code throughout their 
supply chains. Prior to any orders being placed, all new suppliers are required 
to complete the Group’s risk assessment form to indicate their degree of 
compliance to the ETI Base Code. All existing suppliers are also required to 
conduct this assessment on an annual basis. These forms are reviewed by the 
Group’s Buying team members and Pentland Group’s Corporate and Social 
Responsibility Manager and any areas of concern with regard to potential 
non-compliance are investigated when visiting the factories concerned. 

Due to the diverse nature and scope of the supply chain, it is not always 
possible to visit all of the factories directly. Where instances of non-compliance 
are identified from the risk assessment forms and the supplier cannot 
be visited, they are required to confirm what corrective actions are being 
undertaken to resolve the issue. These actions will be verified directly by the 
Group’s Buying team members and Pentland Group’s Corporate and Social 
Responsibility Manager as soon as practically possible on a future visit.

All suppliers are contractually obliged to comply with the Group’s 
Conditions of Supply which includes a specific policy on ‘Employment 
Standards for Suppliers’.

•  The bags contain an oxo-biodegradable additive, which means that they 

degrade totally over a relatively short life span

Community Engagement

In addition, the Group uses paper-based bags rather than plastic bags in its 
stores in the Republic of Ireland. 

The Group seeks to be involved in the community where it can make an 
appropriate contribution from its resources and skills base. Examples of  
this include:

•  JD Sports Fashion Plc sponsorship of the City of Salford 10k run which took 

place in September 2010

•  Donations to The Geoff Thomas Foundation which works closely with  

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research on raising funds to speed up the delivery 
of effective new treatments to patients with blood cancer

•  Donations to The Marina Dalglish Appeal to improve cancer treatment 

facilities in Liverpool

•  Donations to Boot out Breast Cancer which raises funds to provide 

equipment for as many breast cancer units in the North West as possible

•  Donations to Cancer Research UK

•  Donations to The Elizabeth Hardie Ferguson Charitable Trust Fund which 
was founded by Sir Alex Ferguson and is dedicated to the memory of his 
mother. The Trust acts as a fund raising body and distributes all proceeds to 
deserving causes within the United Kingdom

•  Sponsorship and donation of kit to local junior sports clubs and schools

Policy on Acquired Businesses

The Group has acquired a number of retail and distribution businesses in 
recent years, and acknowledges that the high standards which the core retail 
businesses have historically operated to, need to be replicated in the wider 
global Group.

After making an acquisition, staff from the core retail businesses, with the 
relevant knowledge and experience, work with the management teams at these 
acquired businesses. The initial focus is to help the local management analyse 
their position against these standards with action plans developed as necessary.

Standards of the existing Group companies, along with any future acquisitions, 
will continue to be monitored, with action taken to maintain Group standards 
as required.

35

The Board

Peter Cowgill

Executive Chairman 
and Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee 
aged 58 
Peter was appointed 
Executive Chairman in March 
2004. He was previously 
Finance Director of the Group 
until his resignation in June 
2001. Since then he has been 
a partner in Cowgill Holloway 
Chartered Accountants. He is 
a Non-Executive Director of a 
number of private companies and 
Non-Executive Chairman of United 
Carpets Plc and MBL Group Plc. 

Barry Bown

Chief Executive Officer aged 49 
Barry joined the Board in 2000 and has 
been with JD Sports Fashion Plc since 
1984. He held the positions of Head of Retail, 
Head of Buying and Merchandising and Chief 
Operating Officer prior to his appointment as 
Chief Executive Officer in 2000. 

Brian Small

Group Finance Director aged 54 
Brian was appointed Finance Director in January 
2004. Immediately prior to his appointment he was 
Operations Finance Director at Intercare Group Plc 
and has also been Finance Director of a number of 
other companies. He qualified as an accountant with 
Price Waterhouse in 1981. 

Colin Archer

Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees and member of 
the Nomination Committee aged 69 
Colin was appointed a Non-Executive Director in 
November 2001. He has over 40 years experience 
in the banking and financial arenas, having 
previously been an Assistant Corporate Director 
with Barclays Bank Plc. He is also a member of the 
Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Chris Bird

Non-Executive Director, member of the Audit, 
Remuneration and Nomination Committees 
aged 48 
Chris was appointed to the Board in May 2003. 
He is a marketing specialist with his own public 
relations and marketing agency. He is also Chief 
Executive of Sports Tours International Limited. 
Chris has over 20 years media experience in 
newspapers, commercial radio and sport.

Andrew Leslie

Non-Executive Director aged 64 
Andrew was appointed to the Board in May 2010. 
He has over 40 years of experience in the retail, 
footwear and apparel sectors. Most recently he 
was an Executive Board Director of Pentland 
Brands Plc (which is a subsidiary of the ultimate 
parent company Pentland Group Plc), from which 
he retired in 2008.  During his career, Andrew also 
held a number of senior positions with British Shoe 
Corporation, The Burton Group Plc and Timpson 
Shoes Limited. 

36

Adidas terrace styles, all available at JD

37

Directors’ Report

38

The Directors present their annual report and the 
audited financial statements of JD Sports Fashion 
Plc (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries (together 
referred to as the ‘Group’) for the 52 week period 
ended 29 January 2011. 

Principal Activities and Business 
Review

The principal activity of the Group is the retail and 
distribution of sport and athletic inspired fashion, 
footwear, apparel and accessories. 

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, a 
review of the business providing a comprehensive 
analysis of the main trends and factors likely to 
affect the development, performance and position 
of the business, including environmental, employee 
and social and community issues, together with 
the Group’s Key Performance Indicators and a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the business is detailed as follows:

•  Summary of Key Performance Indicators (page 7)

•  Chairman’s Statement (pages 13 to 16)

•  Financial and Risk Review (pages 19 to 21)

•  Property and Stores Review (pages 26 to 27)

•  Corporate and Social Responsibility 

(pages 31 to 35)

All the information set out in those sections is 
incorporated by reference into, and is deemed to 
form part of, this report.

The Corporate Governance Report (pages 41 to 
43) and the Directors’ Remuneration Report (pages 
45 to 48) are incorporated by reference into, and 
are deemed to form part of, this report. 

As per note 35 on page 100, the Group has 
completed the following acquisitions since the 
period end:

•    On 7 February 2011, the Group acquired 80% of 
the issued share capital of Kukri Sports Limited

•   On 16 February 2011, the Group acquired a 

further 31% of the issued share capital of Focus 
Group Brands Limited

•   On 4 April 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the 

issued share capital of Champion Sports (Holdings)

In addition the Group has signed a new syndicated 
committed £75 million bank facility for 54 months 
to 11 October 2015.  Further details of the terms of 
this facility are included in the Financial and Risk 
Review on page 19 and in note 35 on page 101.

Results

Revenue for the 52 week period ended 29 January 
2011 was £883.7 million and profit before tax was 
£78.6 million compared with £769.8 million and 
£61.4 million respectively in the previous 
financial year. 

The Consolidated Income Statement is set out on 
page 56. 

Proposed Dividend

The Directors recommend a final dividend of 
19.20p per ordinary share (2010: 14.70p), which 
together with the interim dividend of 3.80p per 
ordinary share (2010: 3.30p) makes the total 
dividend payable for the year 23.00p (2010: 
18.00p). If approved by shareholders at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting, this will be 
paid on 1 August 2011 to shareholders on the 
register as at close of business on 6 May 2011.

Share Capital

As at 29 January 2011 the Company’s authorised 
share capital was £3,107,500 divided into 
62,150,000 ordinary shares of 5p each. As at 29 
January 2011 the Company’s issued share capital 
was £2,433,083 comprising 48,661,658 ordinary 
shares of 5p each. 

Shareholder and Voting Rights 

All members who hold ordinary shares are entitled 
to attend and vote at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting. On a show of hands at a general 
meeting, every member present in person or by 
proxy shall have one vote and, on a poll, every 
member present in person or by proxy shall have 
one vote for every ordinary share they hold. Subject 
to relevant statutory provisions and the Company’s 
Articles of Association, holders of ordinary shares 
are entitled to a dividend where declared or paid 
out of profits available for such purposes. 

Restrictions on Transfer of Shares

The restrictions on the transfer of shares in the 
Company are as follows:

•  The Board may, in absolute discretion, refuse to 
register any transfer of shares which are not fully 
paid up (but not so as to prevent dealings in listed 
shares from taking place), or which is in favour of 
more than four persons jointly or which is in relation 
to more than one class of share

•  Certain restrictions may, from time to time, be 
imposed by laws and regulations (for example, 
insider trading laws)

•  Restrictions apply pursuant to the Listing 
Rules of the Financial Services Authority 
whereby Directors and certain of the Group’s 
employees require prior approval to deal in the 
Company’s shares

The Company is not aware of any arrangement 
between its shareholders that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of shares and/or 
voting rights. 

Authority to Purchase Own Shares

A resolution was passed at the 2010 Annual 
General Meeting giving Directors authority to buy 
back ordinary shares up to a maximum of 10% 
of the total issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company. As at the date of this report no shares 
have been purchased under this authority. 

Directors’ Interests

The interests of the Directors who held office at 
29 January 2011 and their connected persons in 
the Company’s ordinary shares are shown below:

     Ordinary shares of 5p each

29 January 
2011

30 January 
2010

410,263

410,263

5,676

21,750

19,121

5,676

21,750

19,121

456,810

456,810

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

C Archer

There has been no change in the interests of the 
Directors or their connected persons between 29 
January 2011 and the date of this report.

Substantial Interests in Share Capital

As at 12 April 2011 the Company has been advised 
of the following significant holdings of voting 
rights in its ordinary share capital pursuant to the 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules:

Number of 
ordinary 
shares/voting 
rights held

%

Pentland Group Plc

27,963,722

57.47

Sports World 
International Ltd 

Aberforth Funds*

5,775,255

11.87

4,305,940

8.85

*Aberforth Funds have a further non-voting holding 
of 1,682,900 ordinary shares.

Directors

The names and roles of the current Directors 
together with brief biographical details are given 
on page 36. The Directors are responsible for the 
management of the business of the Company 
and, subject to law and the Company’s Articles of 
Association (‘Articles’), the Directors may exercise 
all of the powers of the Company and may delegate 
their power and discretion to committees. 

The number of directors at any one point in time 
shall not be less than two. 

The Articles give the Directors power to appoint 
and replace directors. Any director so appointed 
shall hold office only until the dissolution of the first 
AGM of the Company following appointment unless 
they are re-elected during such meeting. 

The Articles require that, at each AGM of the 
Company, any director who was elected or last 
re-elected at or before the AGM held in the third 
calendar year before the then current calendar year 
must retire by rotation and such further Directors 
must retire by rotation so that in total not less than 
one third of the Directors retire by rotation each 
year. A retiring director is eligible for re-election. 

The UK Corporate Governance Code applies to 
financial years commencing on or after 29 June 
2010 and provides for the annual re-election of 
all directors. The Board has decided to comply 
with this provision with immediate effect and 
so all Directors listed on page 36 will retire at 
the forthcoming AGM and, being eligible, offer 
themselves for re-election.

Amendment of the Company’s Articles 
of Association

The Company’s Articles of Association may only 
be amended by a special resolution at a general 
meeting of shareholders. 

Change of Control – Significant 
Agreements

Creditors Payment Policy

In the event of a change of control of the Company, 
the Company and the lenders of the new £75 
million bank syndicated facility shall enter into an 
agreement to determine how to continue the facility. 
If no agreement is reached within 20 business days 
of the date of change in control, the lenders may, 
by giving not less than 10 business days notice 
to the Company, cancel the facility and declare all 
outstanding loans, together with accrued interest 
and all other amounts accrued immediately due 
and payable. 

Contractual Arrangements Essential 
to the Business of the Group  

The Board considers that continuing supply from 
Nike and Adidas, being the main suppliers of third 
party branded sporting products, to the Group’s 
core sports fashion retail operation is essential to 
the business of the Group.

Employees

The Group communicates with its employees 
through team briefs and via the Company’s intranet 
and notice boards. Views of employees are sought 
on matters of common concern. Priority is given to 
ensuring that employees are aware of all significant 
matters affecting the Group’s performance and of 
significant organisational changes. 

For all trade creditors, it is the Group policy to:

•  Agree terms of payment at the start of business 

with the supplier

•  Ensure that suppliers are aware of the terms 

of payment

•  Pay in accordance with its contractual and other 

legal obligations

The average number of days taken to pay trade 
creditors by the Group at the period end was 33 
(2010: 36).  

The Group does not follow any code or statement 
on payment practice. 

Auditor

KPMG Audit Plc have indicated their willingness to 
accept reappointment as auditors of the Company. 
A resolution proposing their reappointment 
is contained in the notice of the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting and will be proposed to 
shareholders at that meeting. 

Disclosure of Information to the Auditor

Each person who is a Director at the date of 
approval of this report confirms that:

The Group’s employee remuneration strategy is set 
out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 
45 to 48. 

•   So far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditor is 
unaware 

The Group is committed to promote equal 
opportunities in employment regardless of 
employees’ or potential employees’ sex, marital 
status, sexual orientation, creed, colour, race, 
ethnic origin or disability. Recruitment, promotion 
and the availability of training are based on the 
suitability of any applicant for the job and full 
and fair consideration is always given to disabled 
persons in such circumstances. 

Should an employee become disabled during his or 
her employment by the Group, every effort is made 
to continue employment and training within their 
existing capacity wherever practicable, or failing 
that, in some alternative suitable capacity. 

•   Each Director has taken all the steps that he 

ought to have taken as a Director to make himself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of 
that information 

Going Concern

After making enquiries, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Company, and 
the Group as a whole, has adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. For this reason, the financial 
statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis. 

Donations

During the financial year ended 29 January 2011 
the Group did not make any political donations 
(2010: £nil) and made charitable donations 
of £39,000 (2010: £54,000). Of the charitable 
donations, £10,000 was for The Geoff Thomas 
Foundation which works closely with Leukaemia & 
Lymphoma Research on raising funds to speed up 
the delivery of effective new treatments to patients 
with blood cancer. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Notice of the Company’s AGM to be held at 12 
noon on 23 June 2011 at Hollinsbrook Way, 
Pilsworth, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR incorporating 
explanatory notes of the resolutions to be proposed 
at the meeting is enclosed, together with a form of 
proxy. A copy of the Notice of AGM is available on 
the Company’s website www.jdplc.com. 

By order of the Board 

Jane Brisley 
Company Secretary 
13 April 2011

39

40

Mckenzie fleece suit, exclusive to JD

Corporate  
Governance Report

Combined Code

The Board is committed to high standards of corporate governance. This 
report sets out how the Company has applied the main principles set out in 
the Combined Code on Corporate Governance published by the Financial 
Reporting Council in June 2008 (‘the Combined Code’) and the extent to which 
the Company has complied with the provisions of the Code. 

The Board

The Board consists of six directors: an Executive Chairman, two other 
Executive Directors and three Non-Executive Directors. The name, position and 
brief profile of each Director is set out on page 36. 

Composition of the Board is kept under review and changes are made when 
appropriate and in the best interests of the Group. Since publication of the 
last Annual Report the Company appointed Andrew Leslie to the Board as 
a Non-Executive Director.  Mr Leslie has over 40 years of experience in the 
retail, footwear and apparel sectors and his most recent position was as an 
Executive Board Director of Pentland Brands Plc (which is a subsidiary of the 
ultimate parent company Pentland Group Plc), from which he retired in 2008.  
The Board considers that its composition during the year had the necessary 
balance of Executive and Non-Executive Directors providing the desired 
blend of skills, experience and judgement appropriate for the needs of the 
Group’s business and overall effectiveness of the Board. None of the Directors 
have served for more than three years without having been re-elected by 
shareholders. Colin Archer is the senior independent Non-Executive Director. 

Two Non-Executive Directors, Colin Archer and Chris Bird, are considered to 
be independent by the Board. Colin Archer has served on the Board for more 
than nine years, having been appointed on 6 November 2001.  The Board 
considers Mr Archer to be independent for the purposes of the Combined 
Code as, in the Board’s view, he continues to be independent in character and 
judgment notwithstanding his length of service.  Andrew Leslie is not currently 
considered to be independent by the Board for the purposes of the Combined 
Code due to his former position as an executive director of Pentland Brands Plc, 
a subsidiary of the Company’s largest shareholder.  Mr Leslie does not 
represent the interests of Pentland Group Plc on the Board and, due to the 
period of time that will have elapsed since he retired in 2008, the Board 
anticipate that it will determine him to be independent under the Code when 
the Board next assesses this. The Board believes that all three Non-Executive 
Directors have provided ample guidance to the Board and perform an effective 
role in challenging the Executive Directors when appropriate.

The Board considers that all the Directors are able to devote sufficient time 
to their duties as Directors of the Company. The brief biographical detail on 
page 36 includes details of the Chairman’s other directorships of listed 
companies. The Board is satisfied that these appointments do not conflict 
with the Chairman’s ability to carry out his role effectively for the Group. 

In accordance with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code, 
all Directors will retire and offer themselves for re-election at the 2011 AGM.

41

Board operation
The Board is responsible for the direction, management and performance of 
the Company. The Board met ten times during the year under review. Directors’ 
attendance at Board and Committee meetings is set out in the table below. The 
Board is responsible for providing effective leadership and promoting success 
of the Group. 

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved specifically to it 
for decisions which include major strategic matters, approval of financial 
statements, acquisitions and disposals and significant capital projects. The 
Board delegates certain powers to a number of committees. 

Board papers are circulated to Directors prior to Board meetings which include 
up-to-date financial information, reports from the Executive Directors and 
papers on major issues for consideration by the Board. The Board has a formal 
procedure for Directors to obtain independent professional advice. 

All Board members have full access to the Company Secretary who is a 
fully admitted solicitor and attends all Board and Committee meetings. The 
Company Secretary is responsible for advising the Board on Corporate 
Governance matters. The appointment and removal of the Company Secretary 
is a matter for the Board as a whole to determine.

All newly appointed Directors will receive a tailored induction when they join 
the Board or a Committee. Relevant training can be arranged as and when 
deemed appropriate.

The Board has established a formal process for the annual evaluation of the 
performance of the Board, its Committees and individual Directors. This has 
been conducted through the completion by each Director of a questionnaire 
prepared by the Company Secretary which encourages the Directors to 
give his opinions on Board and Committee procedures, operation and 
effectiveness as well as any other matter they wish to raise. The feedback 
from the evaluation process has been presented to the Board by the Executive 
Chairman. A separate questionnaire was completed by the Directors (other 
than the Executive Chairman) in relation to the performance of the Executive 
Chairman with the Senior Independent Director discussing the resulting 
feedback with the other Non-Executive Directors, taking into account the views 
of the other Executive Directors (excluding the Executive Chairman).  

The division of responsibilities between the Executive Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer is in writing and has been agreed by the Board. The Chairman is 
responsible for overall Board leadership, corporate strategy and communication 
with major shareholders.  The Chief Executive Officer’s responsibilities are 
focused on the development of the Group’s core retail operations. 

The Company, through its majority shareholder Pentland Group Plc, maintains 
appropriate Directors and Officers liability insurance. 

Attendance at Board and Committee meetings

Board Committees

There are three principal Board Committees to which the Board has delegated 
certain of its responsibilities. The terms of reference for all three Committees 
are available for inspection on request and are available on the Company’s 
corporate website www.jdplc.com. 

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee currently comprises the two independent Non-Executive 
Directors, Colin Archer (Chairman) and Chris Bird. The Committee’s principal 
duties are to review draft annual and interim financial statements prior to being 
submitted to the Board, reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
internal control and risk management and to review the performance and cost 
effectiveness of the external auditor.

The Audit Committee met three times in the year with the external auditor 
attending each meeting. Details of attendance at Audit Committee meetings 
are set out above.

In the year the Audit Committee discharged its responsibilities by:

•  Reviewing the Group’s draft financial statements and interim results 

statement prior to Board approval and reviewing the external auditor’s 
detailed reports thereon

•  Reviewing the Group’s Christmas trading update announcement prior to release

•  Reviewing the appropriateness of the Group’s accounting policies

•  Reviewing regularly the potential impact on the Group’s financial statements 
of certain matters such as impairments of fixed asset values and proposed 
International Accounting Standards

•  Reviewing the external auditor’s plan for the audit of the Group’s financial 

statements, key risks of misstatement in the financial statements, 
confirmations of auditor independence, audit fee and terms of engagement 
of the auditor 

•  Reviewing non-audit fees payable to the Group’s external auditor. 

In reviewing the non-audit fees, the Committee also considered the 
independence of the external auditor and whether its engagement to supply 
non-audit services is appropriate. During the year the Group has appointed 
other accountancy firms to provide non-audit services

The Audit Committee is also responsible for ensuring that appropriate 
arrangements are in place for employees to be able to raise matters of 
possible impropriety in confidence. 

A breakdown of the audit and non-audit related fees is set out in note 3 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 68.  The Audit Committee 
is satisfied that the level and scope of non-audit services performed by the 
external auditor does not impact their independence. 

Board 
Meetings

Remuneration 
Committee

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

The Audit Committee keeps under review the relationship between the Group 
and external auditor and, having considered the external auditor’s performance 
during their period in office, recommends their reappointment.

Number of 
meetings in 
year

P Cowgill 

B Bown

B Small

C Archer

C Bird

A Leslie*

10

10

10

10

10

10

7

4

3

-

3

4

4

-

3

3

-

3

3

3

-

1

1

-

-

1

1

-

*A Leslie joined the Board on 1 May 2010 and so his attendance reflects the 
nine month period to 29 January 2011.

Peter Cowgill and Brian Small attended the Remuneration Committee 
meetings and the Audit Committee meetings at the invitation of the members 
of those committees. 

Conflicts of interest 
The Company’s Articles of Association permit the Board to consider and, if it 
sees fit, to authorise situations where a Director has an interest that conflicts, 
or possibly could conflict, with the interests of the Company. The Board 
considers that the procedures it has in place for reporting and considering 
conflicts of interest are effective. 

42

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee currently comprises the two independent Non-
Executive Directors, Colin Archer (Chairman) and Chris Bird. 

The Committee’s principal duties are to determine overall Group 
remuneration policy, remuneration packages for Executive Directors and senior 
management, the terms of Executive Director service contracts, the terms 
of any performance-related schemes operated by the Group and awards 
thereunder.

The Committee met four times during the year.  Details of attendance at 
Remuneration Committee meetings are set out in the previous table.

Further details about Directors’ remuneration are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 45 to 48.

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee currently comprises the Executive Chairman and 
the two independent Non-Executive Directors. 

The Committee’s principal duties are to consider the size, structure and 
composition of the Board, ensure appropriate succession plans are in place 
for the Board and, where necessary, consider new appointments to the Board.  
From time to time the full Board performs some of the duties of the Nomination 
Committee.

The Nomination Committee met once during the year.  Details of attendance at 
the Nomination Committee meeting are set out in the table above.

During the year the Nomination Committee considered the appointment of 
a further Non-Executive Director, Andrew Leslie, following recommendation 
from Pentland Group Plc, the Company’s largest shareholder.  Following due 
consideration, the Nomination Committee recommended to the Board that Mr 
Leslie be appointed as a Non-Executive Director.  The Nomination Committee 
did not consider the use of an external search consultancy nor open 
advertisement to be necessary in relation to this appointment as Mr Leslie 
was considered by the Nomination Committee to be a suitable candidate with 
considerable relevant experience. 

Internal Control

Shareholder Relations

There is an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the 
significant risks faced by the Group. This process has been in place for the 
year under review and accords with the Turnbull guidance.

The Board, in conjunction with the Audit Committee, has full responsibility 
for the Group’s system of internal controls and monitoring their effectiveness. 
However, such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement. 
The Board has established a well-defined organisation structure with clear 
operating procedures, lines of responsibility, delegated authority to executive 
management and a comprehensive financial reporting process. 

Key features of the Group’s system of internal control and risk management are:

The Executive Directors maintain an active dialogue with the Company’s major 
shareholders to enhance understanding of their respective objectives.  The 
Executive Chairman provides feedback to the Board on issues raised by major 
shareholders. This is supplemented by twice yearly formal feedback to the 
Board on meetings between management, analysts and investors which seeks 
to convey the financial market’s perception of the Group.

The Senior Independent Non-Executive Director is available to shareholders if 
they have concerns which have not been resolved through dialogue with the 
Executive Directors, or for which such contact is inappropriate.

External brokers’ reports on the Group are circulated to the Board for 
consideration. In addition, the Non-Executive Directors attend results 
presentations and analyst and institutional investor meetings whenever possible.

•  Identification and monitoring of the business risks facing the Group, with 
major risks identified and reported to the Audit Committee and the Board

•  Detailed appraisal and authorisation procedures for capital investment

The AGM is attended by all Directors, and shareholders are invited to ask 
questions during the meeting and to meet with Directors after the formal 
proceedings have ended. At the AGM the level of proxies lodged on each 
resolution is announced to the meeting after the show of hands for that resolution. 

Compliance with the Combined Code

The Directors consider that during the year under review and to the date of this 
report, the Company complied with the Combined Code.

This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Jane Brisley 
Company Secretary 
13 April 2011

•  Prompt preparation of comprehensive monthly management accounts 
providing relevant, reliable and up-to-date information. These allow for 
comparison with budget and previous year’s results. Significant variances 
from approved budgets are investigated as appropriate

•  Preparation of comprehensive annual profit and cash flow budgets allowing 

management to monitor business activities and major risks and the progress 
towards financial objectives in the short and medium term

•  Monitoring of store procedures and the reporting and investigation of 

suspected fraudulent activities

•  Reconciliation and checking of all cash and stock balances and investigation 

of any material differences

In addition, the Audit Committee receives reports from the external auditor in 
relation to the financial statements and the Group’s system of internal controls. 

The Group has a formal whistle blowing policy in place enabling employees to 
raise concerns in relation to the Group’s activities on a confidential basis.

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal 
controls and believes this to be effective. In establishing the system of internal 
controls the Directors have regard to the materiality of relevant risks, the 
likelihood of a loss being incurred and costs of control. It follows, therefore, 
that the system of internal controls can only provide a reasonable, and not 
absolute, assurance against the risk of material misstatement or loss.

The integration of the recently acquired businesses into the Group’s system of 
internal controls is on-going. 

The scope of internal audit work performed is determined by the Board 
in conjunction with the Loss Control Director who reports directly to the 
Board periodically. The primary focus has continued to be on security 
and minimisation of unauthorised losses in the business using a team of 
appropriately experienced employees.

The Company does not currently have a separate internal audit function. 
Following annual review, the Board has determined that, due to the further 
global expansion of the Groups’ activities, the appointment of an internal 
auditor is now appropriate and a search and selection process is currently 
underway to recruit a suitable candidate for this role.   

The responsibility for internal control procedures within joint ventures rests 
with the senior management of those operations. The Company monitors 
its investment in such ventures and exerts influence through Board 
representation.

43

 
44

Nike hoody and gilet, both exclusive to JD

Directors’  
Remuneration  
Report

This Report sets out the remuneration policy operated by the Group in respect 
of the Executive Directors, together with disclosures on Directors’ remuneration 
required by The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 (‘the Regulations’). The auditor is required 
to report on the ‘auditable’ part of this Report and to state whether, in their 
opinion, that part of the Report has been properly prepared in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006. The Report is therefore divided into separate 
sections for audited and unaudited information.

The Board have reviewed the Group’s compliance with the Combined Code 
on Corporate Governance (June 2008) (‘the Code’) on remuneration related 
matters.  It is the opinion of the Board that the Group complied with all 
remuneration related aspects of the Code during the year.

The Report will be subject to an advisory shareholder vote at the Annual 
General Meeting (‘AGM’) on 23 June 2011.

UNAUDITED INFORMATION

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee (the ‘Committee’) comprises two independent 
Non-Executive Directors, being Colin Archer and Chris Bird.  Colin Archer is 
Chairman of the Committee. 

The Committee assists the Board in determining the Group’s policy on 
Executive Directors’ remuneration and determines the specific remuneration 
packages for senior executives, including the Executive Directors, on behalf 
of the Board.  Peter Cowgill, the Executive Chairman, Barry Bown, the Chief 
Executive Officer, and Brian Small, the Group Finance Director have assisted 
the Committee when requested with regards to matters concerning key 
executives below Board level.

The Committee can obtain independent advice at the Company’s expense 
where they consider it appropriate and in order to perform their duties.

The Committee is formally constituted with written Terms of Reference, 
which are available on the Company’s corporate website www.jdplc.com. The 
Committee is willing to engage with any of the major shareholders or other 
representative groups where appropriate concerning remuneration matters.

The Committee is mindful of the Company’s social, ethical and environmental 
responsibilities and is satisfied that the current remuneration arrangements 
and policies do not encourage irresponsible behaviour.

The Committee has met four times during the year under review with each 
member attending all the meetings.  Details of attendance at the Committee 
meetings are set out on page 42.  

Remuneration Policy

The Group operates in a highly competitive retail and distribution environment 
and the Committee seeks to ensure that the level and form of remuneration is 
appropriate to attract, retain and motivate Directors and senior managers who 
are the cornerstone of the continued success of the Company. 

Whilst it is inevitable that policies and practice in respect of remuneration will 
evolve over time, it is the Committee’s belief that the key principles described 
below, which applied in the year to 29 January 2011, remain appropriate and 
will continue for the financial year to 28 January 2012:

•  The total remuneration which can be earned should be set at a level which 
ensures the retention and motivation of key executives of the necessary 
calibre required to execute the business strategy and enhance shareholder 
value

•  Remuneration should be aligned with the key corporate metrics that drive 

earnings growth and increased shareholder value with significant emphasis 
on performance related pay measured over the longer term

•  Incentive arrangements for key individuals should provide an appropriate 
balance between fixed and performance related elements and be capable 
of providing exceptional levels of total payment if outstanding performance 
is achieved

45

Components of Remuneration

The main components of the current remuneration package are:

Cash based long term incentive plans 
In 2008, the Committee proposed the introduction of a cash based Long Term 
Incentive Plan (‘2008 LTIP’) in order to:

Base salary 
The following factors are taken into account when determining base salary levels:

•  Provide the Committee with the necessary mechanism with which to retain 

the Executive Directors who are critical to driving shareholder value

•  Remuneration levels at comparable UK retail companies

•  The need for salaries to be competitive

•  Provide the Executive Directors with the opportunity to earn competitive 

rewards which was previously severely restricted by the absence of any long 
term incentive plan

•  The performance of the individual Executive Director and their contribution to 

•  Align the Executive Directors’ interests more closely with those of the shareholders

the business

•  Experience and responsibilities

•  Pay and employment conditions throughout the Group

The policy of the Committee is that the salaries of the Executive Directors 
should be reviewed annually, although it reserves the right to review salaries 
on a discretionary basis if it becomes apparent that the Group is at risk of 
losing a key Board member or other senior executive, or if it believes an 
adjustment is required to reflect market rates or performance. The Committee 
exercised this discretionary right twice in the year.  Firstly, the salary of the 
Executive Chairman was increased from £422,742 to £700,000 with this 
increase being applied retrospectively to 1 April 2010. The Committee believes 
that this salary reflects the personal contribution that the Executive Chairman 
has made to the turnaround of the Group since 2004, its outstanding 
performance since then and the Executive Chairman’s substantial increased 
time commitment. The Committee firmly believes that this salary increase 
was necessary to ensure the retention of the Executive Chairman and that 
his ongoing retention is critical in enhancing shareholder value.  Secondly, 
the salary of the Group Finance Director was increased from £191,941 to 
£200,000 with this increase being applied from 1 October 2010.  

The Committee have determined that salaries for the Executive Directors 
should be increased (effective from 1 April 2011) as follows:

Executive 
Director

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

Previous 
Salary  
£000

New  
Salary  
£000

Percentage 
Increase

700

302

200

700

310

205

0.0%

2.5%

2.5%

Position 
Against 
Comparator 
Group

Upper 
Quartile

Lower 
Quartile

Lower 
Quartile

The Comparator Group for these purposes is the FTSE 250 companies.

These salary increases are consistent with pay increases implemented 
throughout the Group.

Annual bonus 
The Group offers Executive Directors and senior executives the opportunity 
to earn performance related bonuses through the achievement of challenging 
EPS targets. The Committee reviews these targets at the beginning and end 
of each financial year to ensure that they remain fair and challenging and are 
appropriate to the current market conditions and position of the Group.   

Whilst the normal maximum bonus potential is 100% of salary, the Committee 
has the discretion to pay bonuses above that level for exceptional performance. 
This discretion was utilised in the year to 29 January 2011 with awards of 
120% of salary awarded to the Executive Directors. The Committee feels 
that this award is fully justified given that the Group’s performance was 
considerably above market expectations early in the financial year.

Special retention payment 
At the 2011 AGM, the Board will be proposing a special retention scheme for 
the Executive Chairman designed to ensure that he is retained until at least 
31 March 2014 and focused on driving shareholder value. The proposed 
retention scheme has been discussed with two of the Company’s three  
largest shareholders, Pentland Group Plc and Aberforth Funds, who are 
supportive of it.  Full details are set out in the 2011 Notice of Annual  
General Meeting accompanying this Annual Report.  

•  Focus the Executive Directors on sustaining and improving the long-term 
financial performance of the Company and reward them appropriately for 
doing so

•  Ensure a more appropriate balance in the Executive Directors’ compensation 

between fixed and performance related elements

The 2008 LTIP was subsequently approved by shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting held on 26 June 2008 and consisted of two separate awards 
that would pay out in cash after two and three years respectively, subject to 
continued employment and meeting performance targets which would drive the 
creation of shareholder value.  The Committee gave considerable thought as to 
whether the awards should pay out in cash or shares and decided that given 
the current shareholder structure and the lack of a large free float, the delivery 
mechanism should be in cash although all payments would be 
non-pensionable.

The following table outlines the structure of the 2008 LTIP:

Performance To

Amount Payable:

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

Other Key Executives

1st Award

2nd Award

30 January 2010 
£000

29 January 2011 
£000

400

350

250

1,500

2,500

450

394

281

1,625

2,750

The targets for these awards were average headline earnings of £40 million 
for the three year period ending 30 January 2010 and £48 million for the three 
year period ending 29 January 2011. Consequently these awards have been 
paid in full. Headline earnings are defined as profit before tax and exceptional 
items (including the share of exceptional items of the joint venture).

To ensure the continued retention and motivation of the Executive Directors 
and other Key Executives the Board put forward a new cash based Long Term 
Incentive Plan (‘2010 LTIP’) to the Annual General Meeting held on 9 June 
2010. This proposal, which was for a single payment only, was approved with 
the structure set out below:

Performance To

Amount Payable:

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

Other Key Executives

2 February 2013 
£000

500

437

313

2,750

4,000

The 2010 LTIP will be payable in full in 2013 if the following performance 
conditions are both satisfied:

•  Average headline earnings (defined above) of £74 million over the three year 

performance period from 31 January 2010 to 2 February 2013

•  Absolute headline earnings of at least £74 million in the year to 2 February 2013

Lower awards to a minimum of 40% will be paid on a sliding scale if the 
performance on either of these criteria is in the range of £70 million to 
£74 million. If the performance under either of these criteria is below 
£70 million then no award will be payable.

46

Again, the Committee determined that, given the current shareholder structure 
and the lack of a large free float, the delivery mechanism for the 2010 LTIP will 
be in cash although all payments will be non-pensionable.

An amount of £2,250,000 has been recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement for the period ended 29 January 2011 (2010: £1,750,000) being 
one-third of the 2nd award of the 2008 LTIP payable (2010: one-third of 1st 
award and one-third of 2nd award) and one-third of the 2010 LTIP payable 
(2010: nil). These amounts are consistent with the vesting profile of a three 
year performance period.

Other benefits 
The Company makes contributions into individual personal pension schemes 
for Barry Bown and Brian Small at a defined percentage of salary, excluding 
bonus and other forms of remuneration.

Other benefits vary from director to director and include entitlement to a fully 
expensed car, private health care for the Executive Director and immediate 
family and life assurance to provide cover equal to four times the Executive 
Director’s salary. Car benefits have been calculated in accordance with HM 
Revenue and Customs scale charges.

The Executive Chairman does not receive any pension contribution 
or car allowance.

The Committee actively reviews the levels of benefit received to ensure 
that they remain competitive in the UK quoted environment. 

Service Contracts

Total Shareholder Return

The following graph shows the Total Shareholder Return (’TSR’) of the Group 
in comparison to the FTSE All Share General Retailers Index over the past five 
years. The Committee consider the FTSE All Share General Retailers Index a 
relevant index for total shareholder return comparison disclosure required under 
the Regulations as the index represents the broad range of UK quoted retailers.

TSR is calculated for each financial year end relative to the base date of 
31 January 2006 by taking the percentage change of the market price over 
the relevant period, re-investing any dividends at the ex-dividend rate.

400

350

300

250

  % 

200

150

100

50

0

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

JD Sports Fashion Plc

Details of the contracts currently in place for Executive Directors are as follows:

FTSE All Share General Retailers Index

Date Of Contract

16 March 2004

20 February 2009

10 March 2004

Notice Period 
(Months)

12

12

12

Unexpired Term

Rolling 12 months

Rolling 12 months

Rolling 12 months

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

Each service contract includes provision for compensation commitments in 
the event of early termination. For each of the Executive Directors, these 
commitments do not exceed one year’s salary and benefits. The Committee 
consider these levels of compensation for loss of office appropriate in light of 
the levels of basic salary levels and prevailing market conditions.

In the event of gross misconduct, the Company may terminate the service 
contract of an Executive Director immediately and with no liability to make 
further payments other than in respect of amounts accrued at the date of 
termination.

The service agreements and letters of appointment are available for inspection 
by shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and during normal 
business hours at the Company’s registered office address.

In accordance with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, all Directors will retire and offer themselves for re-election at the 2011 
AGM. 

Non-Executive Directorships

The Board recognises that Executive Directors may be invited to become 
Non-Executive Directors of other businesses and that the knowledge and 
experience which they gain in those appointments could be of benefit to the 
Company. Prior approval of the Board is required before acceptance of any 
new appointments.

During the year to 29 January 2011, only Peter Cowgill held Non-Executive 
positions through his role as Non-Executive Chairman of United Carpets Group 
Plc and MBL Group Plc. He has retained earnings of £372,000 in respect of 
these offices.

Non-Executive Directors

The Non-Executive Directors have entered into letters of appointment with the 
Company which are terminable by the Non-Executive Director or the Company 
on not less than three months’ notice.

Non-Executive Director remuneration is determined by the Board taking into 
account the scope and nature of their duties and market rates. The Non-
Executive Directors do not participate in the Company’s incentive arrangements 
and no pension contributions are made in respect of them.  Details of their fees 
are set out in the audited information on page 48. 

47

   
   
   
   
   
   
AUDITED INFORMATION

Individual Directors’ Emoluments

Directors’ salaries and benefits charged in the period to 29 January 2011 are 
set out below together with comparatives for the period to 30 January 2010.

Salary and 
Fees

Benefits 
Excluding 
Pensions

Annual 
Performance 
Related 
Bonus

2011 Total

2010 Total

£000

£000

652

300

193

39

29

22

1,235

1

1

21

-

-

-

23

£000

840

362

240

-

-

-

£000

1,493

663

454

39

29

22

£000

1,321

587

393

38

28

-

1,442

2,700

2,367

2011 Pension 
Costs

2010 Pension 
Costs

£000

£000

-

24

23

-

-

-

47

-

22

22

-

-

-

44

P Cowgill (i)

B Bown

B Small

C Archer

C Bird

A Leslie (ii)

(i)  Emoluments for Peter Cowgill in 2010 included £500,000 from the special 
retention payment approved by shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting held on 26 June 2008. The final payment under this arrangement 
was made in March 2010. The emoluments for 2011 reflect the increased 
salary which was determined during the year.

(ii)  Andrew Leslie joined the Board on 1 May 2010. His emoluments therefore 

reflect the nine month period to 29 January 2011.

The pension contributions represent amounts payable to defined contribution 
pension schemes.

Cash Based Long Term Incentive Plans

In addition, the following amounts have been provided in the period ended 
29 January 2011 in respect of the Long Term Incentive Plans. The amounts 
recognised comprise one third of the amount proposed for the 2nd award of 
the 2008 LTIP based on Group performance in the final year of the three year 
vesting period and one third of the 2010 LTIP based on Group performance in 
the first year of the three year vesting period. 

The 2010 LTIP will be payable in 2013 subject to the Group reaching certain 
performance targets over the three year performance period to 2 February 
2013 as described above.

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

2011 
£000

317

277

177

771

2010 
£000

283

248

177

708

This report has been prepared on behalf of the Board.

Colin Archer 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
13 April 2011

48

Bank, Trafford Centre, Manchester

49

50

“The final 
dividend 
has been 
increased 
by 31%”

South Africa international and  
Canterbury Brand Ambassador, Bryan Habana, 
wearing Canterbury technical Base Layer garments     

51

Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities in  
Respect of the Annual Report  
and the Financial Statements 

Responsibilities of Directors 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group 
and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent Company 
financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they are required 
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the Parent 
Company financial statements on the same basis. Under company law the 
Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and 
Parent Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each 
of the Group and Parent Company financial statements, the Directors are 
required to:

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently

•  Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

•  State whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the EU

•  Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Parent Company will 
continue in business

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 
are sufficient to show and explain the Parent Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 
Parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of 
the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for 
preparing a Directors’ Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate 
Governance Report that comply with that law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information included on the Group’s websites. 
Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility Statement

Each of the Directors whose names and positions are set out on page 36 
confirms that, to the best of their knowledge:

•  The Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set 
of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a whole

•  The Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the development and 

performance of the business and the position of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with 
a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face

By order of the Board

Brian Small 
Group Finance Director 
13 April 2011

52

Adidas hoody, track top, 
tee and jog pants, 
all available at JD

53

Independent Auditor’s 
Report to the 
Members of JD Sports 
Fashion Plc

We have audited the financial statements of 
JD Sports Fashion Plc for the year ended 29 
January 2011, which comprise the Consolidated 
Income Statement, Consolidated and Parent 
Company Statement of Comprehensive Income, 
Consolidated and Parent Company Statement 
of Financial Position, Consolidated and Parent 
Company Statement of Cash Flows, Consolidated 
and Parent Company Statement of Changes in 
Equity and the related notes set out on pages 56 
to 102. The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in their preparation is applicable law 
and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and, as regards the 
Parent Company financial statements, as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006.

This report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 
3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and 
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the Company and the 
Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, 
for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of Directors 
and Auditor

As explained more fully in the Statement of 
Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 52, the 
Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law 
and International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial 
statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial 
statements is provided on the APB’s website at 
www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion:

•  The financial statements give a true and fair view 

of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent 
Company’s affairs as at 29 January 2011 and of 
the Group’s and the Parent Company’s profit for 
the year then ended

•  The Group financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU

•  The Parent Company financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the EU and as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006

•  The financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the  
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation

Opinion on other matters prescribed by 
the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion:

•  The part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
to be audited has been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006

•  The information given in the Directors’ Report 
for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the  
financial statements

•  Information given in the Corporate Governance 
Report with respect to internal control and risk 
management systems in relation to financial 
reporting processes and about share capital 
structures is consistent with the financial 
statements

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the 
following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to 
report to you if, in our opinion:

•  Adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for 
our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us

•  The Parent Company financial statements and 
the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns

•  Certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 

specified by law are not made

•  We have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit

• A Corporate Governance Statement has not been 

prepared by the Group

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

• The Directors’ statement, set out on page 39, 

in relation to going concern

• The part of the Corporate Governance Report 
relating to the Company’s compliance with the 
nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code 
specified for our review

• Certain elements of the report to shareholders 

by the Board on Directors’ remuneration

Stuart Burdass (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of:  
KPMG Audit Plc 
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
St James’ Square 
Manchester 
M2 6DS 
13 April 2011 

54

Carbrini hoody, exclusive to JD

55

Consolidated 
Income Statement

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2011

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Selling and distribution expenses - normal 

Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional 

Selling and distribution expenses 

Administrative expenses - normal 

Administrative expenses - exceptional 

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating profit 

Before exceptional items 
Exceptional items

Operating profit 

Share of results of joint venture before exceptional items 
(net of income tax) 
Share of exceptional items (net of income tax) 

Share of results of joint venture 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Attributable to non-controlling interest 

Basic earnings per ordinary share 

Diluted earnings per ordinary share  

Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2011

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations 

Total other comprehensive income for the period 

Total comprehensive income and expense for the 
period (net of income tax) 

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to
30 January 2010
£000

52 weeks to
30 January 2010
£000

Note

 883,669 
(446,657)

 437,012 

(329,573)

(33,973)

 2,177 

 75,643 

 79,927 

(4,284)

 75,643 

 1,475 
 1,348 

 2,823 
 618 
(455)

 78,629 
(22,762)

 55,867 

 55,884 
(17)

 114.84p 

 114.84p 

(326,296)

(3,277)

(32,966)

(1,007)

 4 

 4 

 4 

 17 
 17 

 17 
 7 
 8 

 3 
 9 

 10 

 10 

(288,462)

(6,458)

(26,051)

1,472

 769,785 
(390,248)

 379,537 

(294,920)

(24,579)

 2,270 

 62,308 

 67,294 

(4,986)

 62,308 

 539 
(1,012)

(473)
 385 
(827)

 61,393 
(18,647)

 42,746 

 42,900 
(154)

 88.16p 

 88.16p 

 GROUP 

 COMPANY 

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011 
£000

52 weeks to 
30 January 2010 
£000

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011 
£000

52 weeks to 
30 January 2010 
£000

 55,867 

 42,746 

 47,045 

 41,314 

 95 

 95 

(248)

(248)

 - 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 55,962 

 42,498 

 47,045 

 41,314 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Attributable to non-controlling interest 

 55,979 

(17)

 42,652 

(154)

 47,045 

 - 

 41,314 

 -   

56

 
Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position

As at 29 January 2011

Assets 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investment property 

Other assets 

Equity accounted investment in joint venture 

Investments 

Deferred tax assets 

Total non-current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities  

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Provisions 

Income tax liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Other payables 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Total assets less total liabilities 

Capital and reserves 

Issued ordinary share capital 

Share premium 

Retained earnings 

Other reserves 

 GROUP 

 COMPANY 

As at
29 January 2011
£000

Note

As at 
30 January 2010
(restated -
see note 1)
£000

As at
29 January 2011
£000

As at
30 January 2010
£000

 13 

 14 

 15 

 16 

 17 

 18 

 27 

 20 

 21 

 22 

 23 

 25 

 26 

 23 

 25 

 26 

 27 

 28 

 58,315 

 78,120 

 3,000 

 13,047 

 3,458 

 -   

 125 

 50,215 

 67,434 

 4,053 

 13,232 

 635 

 -   

 -   

 28,096 

 51,539 

 3,000 

 3,590 

 - 

 9,064 

 1,082 

 19,395

 47,445

 4,053

 3,787

 -

 7,864

 610

 156,065 

 135,569 

 96,371 

 83,154

 84,490 

 37,105 

 90,131 

 74,475 

 31,657 

 64,524 

 47,472 

 82,535 

 81,204 

 44,125

 77,380

 56,954

 211,726 

 170,656 

 211,211 

 178,459

 367,791 

 306,225 

 307,582 

 261,613

(2,874)

(128,445)

(2,591)

(12,370)

(2,712)

(115,742)

(2,920)

(10,789)

 -   

(85,520)

(1,920)

(11,465)

 -

(78,294)

(1,942)

(9,917)

(146,280)

(132,163)

(98,905)

(90,153)

(1,117)

(28,782)

(6,437)

 -   

(1,347)

(24,050)

(7,395)

(748)

 -   

(24,370)

(4,072)

 -   

 -

(23,464)

(5,804)

 -   

(36,336)

(33,540)

(28,442)

(29,268)

(182,616)

(165,703)

(127,347)

(119,421)

 185,175 

 140,522 

 180,235 

142,192

 2,433 

 11,659 

 171,916 

(1,918)

 2,433 

 11,659 

 125,341

(244)

 2,433 

 11,659 

 166,143 

 - 

2,433

11,659

128,100

-

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 

 184,090 

 139,189 

 180,235 

142,192

Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

 1,085 

 1,333 

 - 

-

 185,175 

 140,522 

 180,235 

 142,192

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 13 April 2011 and were signed on its behalf by:
B Small 
Director

Registered number: 1888425

57

 
Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2011

GROUP 

Ordinary 
share 
capital
 £000

Share 
premium
 £000

Retained 
earnings
 £000

 Other 
equity 
£000

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
 £000

Total equity 
attributable 
to equity 
holders of 
the parent
 £000

Non-
controlling 
interest
 £000

Total 
equity
 £000

Balance at 31 January 2009 

 2,433 

 11,659 

 88,378 

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations 

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders 

Acquisition of non-controlling interest 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 42,900 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 42,900 

(5,937)

 -   

Balance at 30 January 2010 

 2,433 

 11,659 

 125,341 

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Exchange differences on translation  
of foreign operations 

Total other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders 

Put options held by non-controlling interests

Acquisition of non-controlling interest 

Disposal of non-controlling interest 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 55,884 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 55,884 

(9,002)

 -   

(627)

 320 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(1,769)

 -   

 -   

 4 

 102,474 

 1,295 

103,769

 -   

 42,900 

(154)

 42,746 

(248)

(248)

(248)

(248)

 -   

 -   

(248)

(248)

(248)

 -   

 -   

 42,652 

(5,937)

 -   

(154)

 -   

 192 

 42,498 

(5,937)

 192 

(244)

 139,189 

 1,333 

 140,522 

 -   

 55,884 

(17)

 55,867 

 95 

 95 

 95 

 95 

 -   

 -   

 95 

 95 

 95 

 55,979 

(17)

 55,962 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(9,002)

(1,769)

(627)

 320 

 -   

-  

(573)

 342 

(9,002)

(1,769)

(1,200)

 662 

Balance at 29 January 2011 

 2,433 

 11,659 

 171,916 

(1,769)

(149)

 184,090 

 1,085 

 185,175 

Put options are held by the 49% non-controlling interest in Canterbury of New Zealand and 25% non-controlling interest in Canterbury International (Australia) 
Pty Limited (see note 25).

COMPANY

Balance at 31 January 2009 

Profit for the period 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders 

Balance at 30 January 2010 

Profit for the period 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders 

Ordinary 
share 
capital
£000

Share 
premium
£000

Retained 
earnings
£000

Total 
equity
£000

 2,433 

 11,659 

 92,723 

 106,815 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 41,314 

 41,314 

 41,314 

(5,937)

 41,314 

(5,937)

 2,433 

 11,659 

 128,100 

 142,192 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 47,045 

 47,045 

 47,045 

(9,002)

 47,045 

(9,002)

Balance at 29 January 2011 

 2,433 

 11,659 

 166,143 

 180,235 

58

 
 
 
  
 
 
Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2011 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit for the period 

Share of results of joint venture 

Income tax expense 

Financial expenses 

Financial income 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 

Exchange differences on translation 

Impairment of intangible assets 

Impairment of non-current assets 

Impairment of investment 

Impairment of investment property 

Profit on disposal of available for sale investments 

Loss on disposal of non-current assets 

Increase in inventories 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Increase in trade and other payables 

Interest paid 

Income taxes paid 

GROUP

COMPANY

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to 
30 January 2010
£000

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to 
30 January 2010
£000

Note

 17 

 9 

 8 

 7 

 3 

 4 

 4 

 18 

 4 

 4 

 4 

 55,867 

(2,823)

 22,762 

 455 

(618)

 20,375 

(158)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1,007 

 -   

 1,440 

(9,622)

(5,209)

 14,676 

(455)

(22,002)

 42,746 

 473 

 18,647 

 827 

(385)

 17,863 

(49)

 2,617 

 408 

 - 

 - 

(4,089)

 2,148 

(6,062)

(8,179)

 25,326 

(827)

(15,848)

 47,045 

 -   

 23,789 

 300 

(844)

 14,229 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1,007 

 -   

 1,419 

(3,347)

(6,111)

 6,378 

(300)

(21,761)

 41,314 

 - 

 17,740 

 675 

(549)

 13,274 

 - 

 - 

 105 

 3,470 

 - 

(4,089)

 1,525 

(1,114)

(23,597)

 17,743 

(675)

(16,089)

Net cash from operating activities 

 75,695 

 75,616 

 61,804 

 49,733 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Interest received 

Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 

Disposal costs of non-current assets 

Acquisition of intangible assets 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

Acquisition of non-current other assets

Cash consideration of acquisitions 

Cash acquired with acquisitions 

Overdrafts acquired with acquisitions 

Acquisition of available for sale investment 

Proceeds from disposal of available for sale investment 

Third party loan repayments 

Loan repayments received from joint venture 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities  

Repayment of interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Acquisition of non-controlling interest 

Sale of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interest 

Dividends paid 

Net cash used in financing activities 

 13 

 14 

11

11

11

 19 

 19 

 16 

 11 

 12 

 29 

 618 

 1,082 

(491)

(9,560)

(30,855)

(2,114)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 923 

 385 

 532 

(644)

(6,672)

(21,472)

(1,429)

(9,100)

 2,273 

(1,129)

(9,990)

 16,132 

 80 

 1,750 

 844 

 19 

(461)

(9,210)

(18,335)

(1,132)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 923 

 549 

 2 

(359)

 - 

(13,122)

(665)

(4,666)

 - 

 - 

(9,990)

 16,132 

 80 

 1,750 

(40,397)

(29,284)

(27,352)

(10,289)

(310)

(1,200)

 662 

(9,002)

(9,850)

(1,836)

 - 

 - 

(5,937)

 -   

(1,200)

 -   

(9,002)

(7,773)

(10,202)

(83)

 - 

 - 

(5,937)

(6,020)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

 32 

 25,448 

 38,559 

 24,250 

 33,424 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 

 32 

 62,097 

 23,538 

 56,954 

 23,530 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

 32 

 87,545 

 62,097 

 81,204 

 56,954

59

 
Notes to  
the Consolidated  
Financial Statements

1.  Significant accounting policies

JD Sports Fashion Plc, (the ‘Company’) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The financial statements for the 52 week period ended 
29 January 2011 represent those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’). The Parent Company financial statements present 
information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 13 April 2011.

Basis of preparation
European Union law (‘EU LAW’) (IAS Regulation EC 1606/2002) requires that the financial statements of the Group are prepared and approved in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘adopted IFRSs’). The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the 
requirements of adopted IFRSs that are endorsed by the EU and effective at 29 January 2011.

The Company has chosen to present its own results under adopted IFRSs and by publishing the Company Financial Statements here, with the Group Financial 
Statements, the Company is taking advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement and related notes. 

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) 
at fair value through the Consolidated Income Statement. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical 
experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements 
about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The judgements, estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in 
which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected. 

The accounting policies set out below have unless otherwise stated been applied consistently to all periods present in these financial statements and have been 
applied consistently by all Group entities.

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Executive Chairman’s 
Statement and Financial and Risk Review on pages 13 and 19 respectively. In addition, details of financial instruments and exposures to interest rate, foreign 
currency, credit and liquidity risks are outlined in note 24.

As at 29 January 2011, the Group had net cash balances of £86,140,000 (2010: £60,465,000) and undrawn committed borrowing facilities of £70,000,000. 
Subsequent to the year end, a new committed borrowing facility of £75,000,000 has been agreed. Further information on this new facility is provided in note 35. 
Given the funding position, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully.

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Adoption of new and revised standards
From 31 January 2010 the Group has applied IFRS 3R ‘Business Combinations’ in accounting for business combinations.  The change in accounting policy has 
been applied prospectively.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to the Group. 
Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, the Group takes 
into consideration potential voting rights that currently are exercisable.

For acquisitions on or after 31 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

• the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus

• the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus

• if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less

• the net recognised amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

When the excess is negative, negative goodwill is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in connection with a business 
combination are expensed as incurred.

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured 
and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

For acquisitions from 1 February 2004 to 30 January 2010, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s interest in the 
recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. When the excess was negative, negative 
goodwill was recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement as an exceptional item. Transaction costs, other than those associated with the 
issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurred in connection with business combinations were capitalised as part of the cost of the acquisition.

From 31 January 2010 the Group has applied IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’ (2008) in accounting for acquisitions of non-controlling 
interests. The change in accounting policy has been applied prospectively and has had no impact on earnings per share. Under the new accounting policy, 
acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a 
result of such transactions. The adjustments to non-controlling interests are based on a proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Previously, 
goodwill was recognised on the acquisition of non-controlling interests in a subsidiary, which represented the excess of the cost of the additional investment over 
the carrying amount of the interest in the net assets acquired at the date of the transaction.

60

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued) 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Adoption of new and revised standards (continued)
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued during the year ended 29 January 2011 but are not yet effective, 
and therefore have not yet been adopted by the Group.

An amendment to IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ (Classification of rights issues) is mandatory for years commencing on or after 1 February 2010. 
The amendment allows rights, options or warrants to acquire a fixed number of the entity’s own equity instruments for a fixed amount of any currency to be 
classified as equity instruments provided the entity offers the rights, options or warrants pro rata to all of its existing owners of the same class of its own non-
derivative equity instruments. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group.

Revised IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosure’ is mandatory for years commencing on or after 1 January 2011. The standard amends the definition of a related party 
and modifies certain related party disclosure requirements for government-related entities.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant 
impact on the Group.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ is applicable from 2013. If endorsed, this standard will simplify the classification of financial assets for measurement purposes,  
but is not anticipated to have a significant impact on the financial statements.

The Group continues to monitor the potential impact of other new standards and interpretations which may be endorsed by the European Union and require 
adoption by the Group in future reporting periods.

The Group does not consider that any other standards, amendments or interpretations issued by the IASB, but not yet applicable, will have a significant impact 
on the financial statements.

Prior period restatement
The comparative Group Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 30 January 2010 has been restated to reflect the completion in the period to 29 
January 2011 of initial accounting in respect of the acquisition of Kooga Rugby Limited made in the period to 30 January 2010.  Adjustments made to the 
provisional calculation of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, as reported at 30 January 2010, in the period to 29 January 2011, resulted in an 
increase to goodwill of £94,000.  The impact of this adjustment on the net liabilities is shown in note 11.  As the acquisition of Kooga Rugby Limited occurred in 
the year to 30 January 2010 this adjustment has no impact on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 January 2009 and so it has not been 
presented in these accounts. 

Basis of consolidation

I.  Subsidiaries 

 Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so 
as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that are presently exercisable are taken into account. 

 The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that 
control ceases. Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the equity attributable to holders of the 
parent. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date that control commences and the attributable share of changes in equity 
subsequent to that date.

II.  Joint ventures

 Joint ventures are entities over which the Group has joint control based on a contractual arrangement. The results and assets and liabilities of joint ventures 
are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Investments in joint ventures are carried in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at cost and adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets. Losses of the joint 
venture in excess of the Group’s interest in it are not recognised.

III.  Transactions eliminated on consolidation

 Intragroup balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated  
financial statements.

Property, plant and equipment

I.  Owned assets

 Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Where parts of an item of property, plant 
and equipment have different useful economic lives, they are accounted for as separate items.

II.  Leased assets

 Assets funded through finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts are capitalised as property, plant and equipment where the Group assumes 
substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at the lower of its fair value and the present 
value of the minimum lease payments. Future instalments under such leases, net of financing costs, are included within interest-bearing loans and 
borrowings. Rental payments are apportioned between the finance element, which is included in finance costs, and the capital element which reduces the 
outstanding obligation for future instalments so as to give a constant charge on the outstanding obligation. 

 All other leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rental costs are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight line basis over 
the life of the lease.

 Legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of a leasehold interest are capitalised within non-current other assets. These costs are amortised 
over the life of the lease.

Lease incentives are credited to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight line basis over the life of the lease.

III.  Depreciation 

 Depreciation is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement over the estimated useful life of each part of an item of property, plant and  equipment.  
The estimated useful economic lives are as follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Freehold land 

not depreciated

Long leasehold properties  

2% per annum on a straight line basis

Improvements to short leasehold properties  

life of lease on a straight line basis

Computer equipment  

Fixtures and fittings  

3 - 4 years on a straight line basis

5 - 7 years, or length of lease if shorter, on a straight line basis

•  Motor vehicles  

25% per annum on a reducing balance basis

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued) 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Investment property
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Investment property is 
depreciated over a period of 50 years on a straight-line basis, with the exception of freehold land, which is not depreciated. The Group has elected not to revalue 
investment property annually but to disclose the fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The fair value is based on an external valuation prepared by persons having the appropriate professional qualification and experience.

Intangible assets

I.  Goodwill

All business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Goodwill represents amounts arising on acquisition of subsidiaries.  

For acquisitions on or after 31 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

• the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus

• the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus

• if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less

• the net recognised amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

  When the excess is negative, negative goodwill is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 In respect of business acquisitions that occurred from 1 February 2004 to 30 January 2010, goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the 
acquisition and the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. When the excess was negative (negative 
goodwill), it was recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement as an exceptional item.

 In respect of acquisitions prior to 1 February 2004, goodwill is included on the basis of its deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded under 
previous GAAP. The classification and accounting treatment of business combinations that occurred prior to 1 February 2004 has not been reconsidered in 
preparing the Group’s opening adopted IFRS balance sheet at 1 February 2004.

 Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (‘CGUs’) and is tested annually for 
impairment. The CGUs used are the store portfolios and distribution companies acquired. The recoverable amount is compared to the carrying amount of 
the CGU including goodwill. The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. 

II.  Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets represent brand licences, brand names and purchased fascia names. 

 Brand licences are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation of brand licences is charged to the Consolidated 
Income Statement over the term to the licence expiry on a straight line basis.

 Brand names acquired are initially stated at fair value less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. The useful economic life of each purchased 
brand name is considered to be finite. Amortisation of brand names is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement over their useful life on a straight  
line basis.

 Separately identifiable fascia names acquired are initially stated at fair value less accumulated impairment losses. The useful economic life of each 
purchased fascia name is considered separately. Where the Directors believe that there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is 
expected to generate a net cash flow, the specific fascia name is not amortised but is subject to annual impairment reviews. 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures
In the Company’s accounts all investments in subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures are stated at cost less provisions for impairment losses.

Changes in ownership interest without a loss of control
In accordance with IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’ (2008), upon a change in ownership interest in a subsidiary without a loss of 
control, the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiary.  Any 
difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly 
in equity and attributed to the owners of the parent. Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are therefore accounted for as transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners and no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. Associated transaction costs are accounted for within equity.

Available for sale investments
 Available for sale investments comprise investments in listed equity shares that are traded in an active market. Available for sale financial assets are measured 
at fair value with fair value gains or losses recognised directly in equity through the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and recycled into the 
Consolidated Income Statement on sale or impairment of the asset. A significant or prolonged decline in market value is deemed to be objective evidence of 
impairment. At this point, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is recognised in profit or loss for the period. Transaction costs that are 
directly attributable to the acquisition of available for sale investments are added to the fair value on initial recognition.

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the weighted average principle. Provisions are made for obsolescence, 
mark downs and shrinkage.

Financial instruments
 Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or are transferred. 
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Trade receivables
 Trade receivables are recognised at amortised cost less impairment losses. A provision for the impairment of trade receivables is established when there is 
objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, 
probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the trade 
receivable is impaired. The movement in the provision is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to  
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Non-current other assets

I.  Key money

 Monies paid in certain countries to give access to retail locations are capitalised within non-current assets. These assets are not depreciated but will be 
impaired if evidence exists that the market value is less than the historic cost. Gains/losses on key money from the subsequent disposal of these retail 
locations are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

II.  Deposits

 Money paid in certain countries as deposits to store landlords as protection against non-payment of rent, is capitalised within non-current assets. 
A provision for the impairment of these deposits is established when there is objective evidence that the landlord will not repay the deposit in full.

III.  Legal fees

 Legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of a leasehold interest are capitalised within non-current other assets and amortised over the life 
of the lease. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are included as a component of 
cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, as these are used as an integral part of the Group’s cash management. 

Net cash/interest-bearing loans and borrowings
 Net cash consists of cash and cash equivalents together with other borrowings from bank loans and overdrafts, other loans, loan notes, finance leases and 
similar hire purchase contracts.

 Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Following the initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings 
are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement over the period of 
the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are non-interest-bearing and are stated at their cost.

Foreign currency translation
 Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange at the reporting date. Exchange differences in monetary items are 
recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

 Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of  
the transaction.

 On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange at the reporting date. Income 
and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the accounting period. Foreign currency differences are recognised in Other Comprehensive 
Income and are presented in the foreign currency translation reserve. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operational, financing and 
investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. However, 
derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments.

 Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value and remeasured at each period end. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is 
recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. However, where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any resultant gain or 
loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged.

 Interest rate swaps are recognised at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position with movements in fair value recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement for the period. The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the 
reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and the respective risk profiles of the swap counterparties.

Put options held by non-controlling interests
The Group recognises put options over non-controlling interests in its subsidiary undertakings as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at 
the present value of the estimated exercise price of the put option. Upon initial recognition, and for subsequent changes on remeasurement of the liability, a 
corresponding entry is made to other equity.

Hedging of monetary assets and liabilities
 Where a derivative financial instrument is used to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised monetary asset or liability, no hedge accounting is 
applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Provisions
 A provision is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past 
event, it is more likely than not that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

 Within the onerous lease provision, management have provided against the minimum contractual lease cost less potential sublease income for vacant stores. 
For loss making trading stores, provision is made to the extent that the lease is deemed to be onerous. 

 Within the onerous contracts provision, management make provisions where the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are lower than the unavoidable 
cost of meeting the obligations under that contract.

Revenue 
 Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the 
normal course of business, net of discounts and sales related taxes.

In the case of goods sold through the retail stores and trading websites, revenue is recognised when goods are sold and the title has passed, less provision for returns. 
Accumulated experience is used to estimate and provide for such returns at the time of the sale. Retail sales are usually in cash, by debit card or by credit card. 

In the case of goods sold through the distribution businesses, revenue is recognised when goods are sold and the title has passed less a provision for credit 
notes. Distribution sales are either settled by cash received in advance of the goods being dispatched or made on agreed credit terms.

63

 
 
 
Notes to  
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Exceptional items
 Items that are, in aggregate, material in size and unusual or infrequent in nature, are included within operating profit and disclosed separately as exceptional 
items in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

 The separate reporting of exceptional items, which are presented as exceptional within the relevant category in the Consolidated Income Statement, helps 
provide an indication of the Group’s underlying business performance. The principal items which will be included as exceptional items are:

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Loss/(profit) on the disposal of non-current assets

Provision for rentals on onerous property leases
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of non-current other assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Impairment of available for sale investments
Impairment of investment property
Loss/(profit) on disposal of available for sale investments
Negative goodwill 

Financial income
 Financial income comprises interest receivable on funds invested. Financial income is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement on an effective  
interest method.

Financial expenses
 Financial expenses comprise interest payable on interest-bearing loans and borrowings. Financial expenses are recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement on an effective interest method.

Income tax expense
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax.

I.  Current income tax

 Current income tax expense is calculated using the tax rates which have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date, adjusted for any tax 
paid in respect of prior years.

II.  Deferred tax

 Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and 
the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for:

•  Goodwill not deductible for tax purposes 

• 

• 

The initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit

Differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future

 The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted 
or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

 A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. 
Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets other than inventories and deferred tax assets are reviewed annually to determine whether there is any indication of 
impairment. An impairment review is performed on individual cash-generating units (‘CGUs’). A CGU for the purposes of property, plant and equipment impairment 
reviews is an individual store or a collection of stores where the cash flows are not independent. In respect of goodwill, the cash-generating units used to monitor 
goodwill and test for impairment are the store portfolios and distribution companies acquired. If any such impairment exists then the asset’s recoverable amount 
is estimated. Impairment losses are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.  Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

Pensions
 The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes, the assets of which are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered 
funds. Obligations for contributions to the defined contribution schemes are recognised as an expense in the Consolidated Income Statement when incurred.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical 
experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements 
about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The judgements, 
estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are discussed below:

Impairment of goodwill
 Goodwill arising on acquisition is allocated to the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination from 
which goodwill arose.  In the case of retail acquisitions, goodwill is allocated to groups of cash-generating units, being portfolios of stores, whereas for 
acquisition of distribution businesses, goodwill is allocated to the individual distribution company acquired. The cash-generating units used to monitor 
goodwill and test it for impairment are therefore the store portfolios and distribution companies acquired. The recoverable amounts of these cash-generating 
units are determined based on value-in-use calculations. The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the 
continuing operation of the cash-generating unit and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. See note 13 for further 
disclosure on impairment of goodwill and review of the key assumptions used.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and non-current other assets
 Property, plant and equipment and non-current other assets are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit is not recoverable. The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. 
Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting period date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer 
exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is 
reversed only to the extent that the assets carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would be held (net of depreciation) if no impairment 
had been realised. 

I. 

II. 

64

 
 
 
 
Notes to  
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

III. 

IV. 

Impairment of other intangible assets with definite lives
 The Group is required to test whether other intangible assets with a definite useful economic life have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amount of 
brand names is based on an estimation of future sales and the choice of a suitable royalty and discount rate in order to calculate the present value. The 
recoverable amount of brand licences is based on an estimation of future sales and other specific cash flows, the contracted royalty rate and the choice of a 
suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. Note 13 provides further disclosure on impairment of other intangible assets with definite lives, 
including review of the key assumptions used.

Impairment of other intangible assets with infinite lives
 The Group is required to test whether other intangible assets with an infinite useful economic life have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amount of 
these assets is determined based on value-in-use calculations. The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from 
the continuing operation of the cash-generating unit and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. Note 13 provides 
further detail of the judgements made by the Board in determining that the lives of acquired fascia names are infinite and further disclosure on impairment 
of other intangible assets with infinite lives, including review of the key assumptions used.

V.  Provisions to write inventories down to net realisable value

 The Group makes provisions for obsolescence, mark downs and shrinkage based on historical experiences and management estimates of future events.

VI.  Onerous property lease provisions

 The Group makes a provision for onerous property leases on specific stores based on the anticipated future cash outflows relating to the contractual lease 
cost less potential sublease income. The estimation of sublease income is based on historical experience and knowledge of the retail property market in the 
area around each specific property. Significant assumptions and judgements are used in making these estimates and changes in assumptions and future 
events could cause the value of these provisions to change. This would include sublet premises becoming vacant, the liquidation of an assignee resulting in 
a property reverting to the Group or closing an uneconomic store and subletting at below contracted rent.

VII.  Onerous contract provisions

 The Group makes a provision for specific onerous contracts where there is a shortfall between the anticipated revenues and costs pertaining to those 
contracts. Significant assumptions and judgements are used in making these estimates, and changes in assumptions and future events could cause the 
value of these provisions to change.

VIII.   Value of put options held by non-controlling interests

The Group recognises put options over non-controlling interests in its subsidiary undertakings as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position at the present value of the estimated exercise price of the put option. The present value of the non-controlling interests’ put options are estimated 
based on expected earnings in Board-approved forecasts and the choice of a suitable discount rate (see note 25). 

IX.  Estimation of useful economic lives of brand names

 The Group amortises brand names over their useful economic life. In determining the useful economic life of each brand name, the Board considers the 
market position of the brands acquired, the nature of the market that the brands operate in, typical product life cycles of brands and the useful economic 
lives of similar assets that are used in comparable ways.

X.  Determination of fair value of assets and liabilities on acquisition

 For each acquisition, the Group reviews the appropriateness of the book values of the assets and liabilities acquired, taking into account the application of 
Group accounting policies, to determine if fair value adjustments are required. The key judgements involved are the identification and valuation of intangible 
assets which require the estimation of future cash flows and the selection of a suitable discount rate. 

2.  Segmental analysis

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ requires the Group’s segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly 
reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The Chief Operating Decision Maker is 
considered to be the Executive Chairman of JD Sports Fashion Plc.

 Information reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker is focused on the nature of the businesses within the Group. The Group’s reportable segments 
under IFRS 8 are therefore as follows:

• 

• 

• 

 Sport retail - includes the results of the sport retail trading companies JD Sports Fashion Plc, John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited, Chausport SA 
and Duffer of St George Limited

 Fashion retail - includes the results of the fashion retail trading companies Bank Fashion Limited and RD Scott Limited

 Distribution businesses - includes the results of the distribution companies Topgrade Sportswear Limited, Nicholas Deakins Limited, Canterbury Limited 
(including global subsidiary companies), Kooga Rugby Limited and Nanny State Limited

The Chief Operating Decision Maker receives and reviews segmental operating profit. Certain central administrative costs including Group Directors’ salaries are 
included within the Group’s core ‘Sport retail’ result. This is consistent with the results as reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker.

IFRS 8 requires disclosure of information regarding revenue from major products and customers. The majority of the Group’s revenue is derived from the retail of 
a wide range of apparel, footwear and accessories to the general public. As such, the disclosure of revenues from major products and customers is not 
appropriate.

Intersegment transactions are undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arms length terms. 

The Board consider that certain items are cross divisional in nature and cannot be allocated between the segments on a meaningful basis. The share of results 
of joint venture is presented as unallocated in the following tables, as this entity has trading relationships with companies in all of the three segments. An asset 
of £3,458,000 (2010: £635,000) for the equity accounted investment in joint venture is included within the unallocated segment. Net funding costs and taxation 
are treated as unallocated reflecting the nature of the Group’s syndicated borrowing facilities and its tax group. A deferred tax asset of £125,000 (2010: liability of 
£748,000) and an income tax liability of £12,370,000 (2010: £10,789,000) are included within the unallocated segment.

 Each segment is shown net of intercompany transactions and balances within that segment. The eliminations remove intercompany transactions and balances 
between different segments which primarily relate to the net down of long term loans and short term working capital funding provided by JD Sports Fashion Plc 
(within Sport retail) to other companies in the Group, and intercompany trading between companies in different segments.

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Segmental analysis (continued)

Business segments
Information regarding the Group’s reportable operating segments for the 52 weeks to 29 January 2011 is shown below:

Income statement 

Gross revenue 

Intersegment revenue 

Revenue 

Operating profit before exceptional items  

Exceptional items 

Operating profit 

Share of results of joint venture 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 

Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

Total assets and liabilities 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

 Sport  
retail
 £000 

 Fashion 
retail
 £000 

Distribution
 £000 

 Total
 £000 

 667,224 

 134,110 

(1,290)

(162)

 85,498 

(1,711)

 886,832 

(3,163)

 665,934 

 133,948 

 83,787 

 883,669 

 73,340 

(2,687)

 6,399 

(1,573)

 70,653 

 4,826 

 188 

(24)

 164 

 79,927 

(4,284)

 75,643 

 2,823 

 618 

(455)

 78,629 

(22,762)

 55,867 

 Sport  
retail 
 £000 

 Fashion 
retail 
 £000 

 Distribution 
 £000 

 Unallocated 
 £000 

Eliminations 
 £000 

 Total 
 £000 

 310,244 

 56,182 

 50,822 

 3,583 

(53,040)

 367,791 

(120,727)

(51,546)

(51,013)

(12,370)

 53,040 

(182,616)

 Total segment net assets/(liabilities) 

 189,517 

 4,636 

(191)

(8,787)

 -   

 185,175 

Other segment information 

Capital expenditure: 

Brand licence purchased 

Brand names purchased 

Property, plant and equipment 

Non-current other assets

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments: 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 

Impairment of investment property 

 Sport  
retail 
 £000 

 Fashion 
retail 
 £000 

 Distribution 
 £000 

 Total 
 £000 

 7,500 

 1,710 

 23,553 

 2,092 

 - 

 - 

 6,656 

 22 

 - 

 350 

 646 

 - 

 7,500 

 2,060 

 30,855 

 2,114 

 15,679 

 1,007 

 3,454 

 - 

 1,242 

 - 

 20,375 

 1,007 

66

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Segmental analysis (continued)

Business segments (continued)
The comparative segmental results for the 52 weeks to 30 January 2010 are as follows:

Income statement 

Gross revenue 

Intersegment revenue 

Revenue 

Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items  

Exceptional items 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Share of results of joint venture  

Financial income

Financial expenses

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Total assets and liabilities

Total assets

Total liabilities

 Sport  
retail 
 £000 

 Fashion 
retail 
£000 

 Distribution 
 £000 

 Total 
 £000 

 615,507

 114,640

(1,225)

(394)

42,551

(1,294)

  772,698 

(2,913)

 614,282 

 114,246 

 41,257 

 769,785 

 64,125 

(642)

 3,333 

(4,355)

(164)

 11 

 67,294 

(4,986)

 63,483

(1,022)

(153)

 62,308

(473)

385

(827)

 61,393

(18,647)

42,746

 Sport  
retail 
 £000

 Fashion 
retail 
 £000

Distribution 
 £000

 Unallocated 
 £000

 Eliminations 
 £000

 Total 
 £000

 264,394

 51,180

40,572

 635

(50,556)

306,225

(112,618)

(51,561)

(40,543)

(11,537)

 50,556

(165,703)

Total segment net assets/(liabilities) 

 151,776

(381)

 29

(10,902)

 - 

 140,522

Other segment information

Capital expenditure: 

Goodwill on acquisition (restated - see note 1) 

Brand names on acquisition 

Brand names purchased 

Property, plant and equipment 

Non-current other assets 

Available for sale investment 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments: 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Impairment of non-current assets

Sport  
retail
£000

 Fashion 
retail
£000

Distribution
£000

 Total
£000

 - 

 2,042 

 - 

 13,517 

 1,424 

 9,990 

 14,067

 -

 105

 - 

 - 

 - 

 7,383 

 5 

 - 

 3,279

 2,617

 303

 1,537 

 453 

 6,672 

 572 

 - 

 - 

 517

 -

 -

 1,537 

 2,495 

 6,672 

 21,472 

 1,429 

 9,990 

 17,863

 2,617

 408

67

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Segmental analysis (continued)

Geographical information
The Group’s operations are located in the UK, Republic of Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand, United States of America and Hong Kong.

The following table provides analysis of the Group’s revenue by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services:
52 weeks to
29 January 2011
 £000

Revenue 

52 weeks to
30 January 2010
 £000

UK 

Europe 

Rest of world 

 801,728 

 55,027 

 26,914 

 722,221 

 45,094 

 2,470 

 883,669 

 769,785 

The revenue from any individual country, with the exception of the UK, is not more than 10% of the Group’s total revenue.

The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of segmental non-current assets, excluding the investment in joint venture of £3,458,000 (2010: £635,000), 
deferred tax assets of £125,000 (2010: £nil) and other financial assets of £nil (2010: £922,000), by the geographical area in which the assets are located:

Non-current assets 

UK 

Europe 

Rest of world 

3.  Profit before tax

Profit before tax is stated after charging: 

Auditor’s remuneration: 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services: 

The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

Other services pursuant to legislation 

Tax services 

All other services 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment - owned 

Depreciation of investment property - owned 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Amortisation of non-current other assets - owned 

Impairments of non-current assets: 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets (see note 4) 

Investment property (see note 4) 

   Other non-current assets 

Rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases for: 

Land and buildings 

   Other - plant and equipment 

Provision to write down inventories to net realisable value  

Foreign exchange loss recognised  

Profit before tax is stated after crediting: 

Rents receivable and other income from property 

Sundry income 

Foreign exchange gain recognised 

2011 
 £000 

 135,852 

 16,362 

 268 

2010 
(restated - 
see note 1) 
 £000 

 120,416 

 13,311 

 285 

 152,482 

 134,012 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 117 

 249 

 38 

 94 

 11 

 18,338 

 46 

 1,460 

 531 

 - 

 - 

 1,007 

 - 

 80,632 

 1,716 

 1,627 

(568)

 682 

 1,495 

 - 

 106 

 196

 30 

 108 

 11 

 16,660 

 49 

 762 

 392 

 407 

 2,617 

 - 

 1 

 75,751 

 1,459 

 827 

 - 

 892 

 1,378 

 572 

In addition, fees of £30,000 (2010: £25,000) were incurred and paid by Pentland Group Plc (see note 36) in relation to the non-coterminous audit of the Group for 
the purpose of inclusion in their consolidated financial statements. 

Non-current other assets comprise key money, store deposits and legal fees associated with the acquisition of leasehold interests (see note 16).

68

  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

4.  Exceptional items

Loss on disposal of non-current assets (1) 

Impairment of non-current assets (2) 

Onerous lease provision (3) 

Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional  

Impairment of intangible assets (4) 

Impairment of investment property (5) 

Profit on disposal of available for sale investments (6) 

Administrative expenses - exceptional 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
£000

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
£000

Note

 26 

 13 

 15 

 19 

 1,440 

 -   

 1,837 

 3,277 

 -   

 1,007 

 -   

 1,007 

 4,284 

 2,148 

 408 

 3,902 

 6,458 

 2,617 

 -   

(4,089)

(1,472)

 4,986

(1)  Relates to the excess of net book value of property, plant and equipment and non-current other assets disposed over proceeds received

(2) 

 Relates to property, plant and equipment and non-current other assets in cash-generating units which are loss making, where it is considered that this 
position cannot be recovered

(3) 

 Relates to the net movement in the provision for onerous property leases on trading and non-trading stores (see note 26)

(4) 

 Relates to the impairment in the period to 30 January 2010 of the residual goodwill on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of RD Scott Limited 
(see note 13)

(5)  Relates to the impairment in the period to 29 January 2011 of investment property (see note 15)

(6) 

 The Group held a non-strategic investment in JJB Sports Plc until 9 December 2009 when it disposed of 65,018,098 ordinary shares for 25p per share, 
giving a realised loss on disposal of £1,988,000. After recognising an impairment of £6,077,000 in the year ended 31 January 2009 this resulted in an 
exceptional gain in the period to 30 January 2010 of £4,089,000 (see note 19)

5. Remuneration of Directors

Directors’ emoluments: 

As Non-Executive Directors 

As Executive Directors 

Pension contributions 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011 
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 90 

 3,381 

 47 

 3,518 

 66 

 3,009 

 44 

 3,119 

The remuneration of the Executive Directors includes retention payments totalling £nil (2010: £500,000) and provision for future LTIP payments of £771,000 
(2010: £708,000). Further information on Directors’ emoluments is shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 45.

69

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

6.  Staff numbers and costs

Group 
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

GROUP 

Sales and distribution 

Administration 

Full time equivalents 

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

GROUP 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs (see note 31) 

 2011 

 10,906 

 325 

 11,231 

 6,759 

 2010

 10,081

 253

 10,334

 6,128

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 122,946 

 9,711 

 1,201 

 107,464 

 8,010 

 809 

 133,858 

 116,283 

In the opinion of the Board, the key management as defined under IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ are the six Executive and Non-Executive Directors 
(2010: five). Full disclosure of the Directors’ remuneration is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 45.

Company
The average number of persons employed by the Company (including Directors) during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

COMPANY 

Sales and distribution 

Administration 

Full time equivalents 

The aggregate payroll costs of these person were as follows:

COMPANY 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs 

7.  Financial income

Bank interest 

Other interest 

70

 2011 

 8,185 

 225 

 8,410 

 4,899 

 2010 

 7,875 

 207 

 8,082 

 4,706 

 52 weeks to 
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 85,913 

 5,911 

 484 

 92,308 

 80,718 

 5,372 

 449 

 86,539

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 579 

 39 

 618 

 240 

 145 

 385 

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

8.  Financial expenses

On bank loans and overdrafts 

Amortisation of facility costs 

Other interest 

9. 

Income tax expense

Current tax 

UK corporation tax at 28.0% (2010: 28.0%) 

Adjustment relating to prior periods 

Total current tax charge 

Deferred tax 

Deferred tax (origination and reversal of temporary differences) 

Adjustment relating to prior periods 

Total deferred tax (credit)/charge (see note 27) 

 52 weeks to 
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 380 

 - 

 75 

 455 

 511 

 160 

 156 

 827

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 23,250 

 385 

 23,635 

 52 

(925)

(873)

 18,125 

 148 

 18,273 

 254 

 120 

 374 

Income tax expense

 22,762 

 18,647

Reconciliation of income tax expense 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28.0% (2010: 28.0%)

 22,016 

 17,190 

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible 

Depreciation and impairment of non-qualifying non-current assets (including brand names  
arising on consolidation)

Impairment of investment property

Loss on disposal of non-qualifying non-current assets

Reversal of non-qualifying impairment of available for sale investments

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

(Profit)/loss from joint venture - after tax result included

Non-qualifying impairment of goodwill on consolidation

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses

   Other differences

Reduction in tax rate

Change in unrecognised temporary differences

(Over)/under provided in prior periods

 845 

 1,056 

 282 

 77 

 -   

 35 

(790)

 -   

(43)

 -   

(23)

(153)

(540)

 259 

 936 

 -   

 267 

(1,145)

(48)

 132 

 733 

(95)

 150 

 -   

 -   

 268 

Income tax expense

 22,762 

 18,647 

71

  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

10.  Earnings per ordinary share

 Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share at 29 January 2011 is based on the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the 
parent of £55,884,000 (2010: £42,900,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2011 of 
48,661,658 (2010: 48,661,658).

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010 

Issued ordinary shares at beginning and end of period 

 48,661,658 

 48,661,658 

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share have been based on the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent for each  
financial period but excluding the post-tax effect of certain exceptional items. The Directors consider that this gives a more meaningful measure of the  
underlying performance of the Group.

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Exceptional items excluding loss on disposal of non-current assets 

Tax relating to exceptional items 

Share of exceptional items of joint venture (net of income tax) 

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent excluding exceptional items 

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share 

11.  Acquisitions

Current period acquisitions

 Note 

 4

 17

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 30 January 2010
 £000 

 55,884 

 2,844 

(514)

(1,348)

 56,866 

 116.86p 

 42,900 

 2,838 

(1,184)

 1,012 

 45,566 

 93.64p

Acquisition of non-controlling interest in Topgrade Sportswear Limited
On 21 June 2010, the Group acquired a further 29% of the issued share capital of Hallco 1521 Limited (the intermediate holding company of Topgrade 
Sportswear Limited) for a cash consideration of £1,200,000.  This takes the Group’s holding to 80%. The Group’s original share of 51% was acquired on 7 
November 2007.  Topgrade Sportswear Limited is a distributor and multichannel retailer of sports and fashion clothing and footwear. As the Group already had 
control of Hallco 1521 Limited, the increase in Group ownership has been accounted for as an equity transaction.

Nanny State Limited
On 4 August 2010, the Group (via its new subsidiary Nanny State Limited) acquired the global rights to the fashion footwear and apparel brand, ‘Nanny State’, 
from D.R.I.P Brands Limited (in administration) and D.R. Shoes Limited (in administration) for a cash consideration of £350,000.  Inventory with a value of 
£141,000 and other debtors with a value of £86,000 were also acquired. The book value of the assets acquired is considered to be the fair value.   

Included in the result for the 52 week period to 29 January 2011 is revenue of £771,000 and a loss before tax of £15,000 in respect of Nanny State Limited.

72

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Prior period acquisitions

Acquisition of Kooga Rugby Limited
 On 3 July 2009, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Kooga Rugby Limited for a consideration of £1 together with associated fees of 
£30,000. Kooga Rugby Limited is involved in the design, sourcing and wholesale of rugby apparel, footwear and accessories and is sole kit supplier to a number 
of professional rugby union and rugby league clubs.

 During the 12 month period following acquisition, certain measurement adjustments have been made to the provisional fair values of the net liabilities of Kooga 
Rugby Limited as at the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’.  The adjustments from 1 August 2009 to 30 January 2010 are 
shown in the Annual Report and Accounts 2010.  The adjustments from 31 January 2010 to determine the final fair value of liabilities acquired are shown below:

Acquiree’s net liabilities at the acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Net identifiable liabilities

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash

Provisional fair 
value at 
30 January 2010 
 £000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
29 January 2011 
 £000 

 453 

 102 

 1,082 

 1,018 

(1,449)

(2,035)

(584)

(1,413)

 1,443 

 30 

 -   

 -   

(94)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(94)

 94 

 -   

 453 

 102 

 988 

 1,018 

(1,449)

(2,035)

(584)

(1,507)

 1,537 

 30

Acquisition of Chausport SA
On 19 May 2009, the Group (via its new subsidiary JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS) acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Chausport SA for a cash 
consideration of £7,211,000 (€8,000,000) together with associated fees of £696,000. Chausport SA is a French retailer, which at the time of acquisition had 78 
stores in premium locations in town centres and shopping centres across France.  

During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments were made to the provisional fair values of the net assets of Chausport SA as at 
the acquisition date. 

Provisional fair 
value at 
30 January 2010 
 £000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
29 January 2011 
 £000 

 Acquiree's net assets at the acquisition date: 

 Property, plant and equipment 

 Non-current other assets

 Inventories 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

 Trade and other payables 

 Net identifiable assets 

 Goodwill on acquisition 

 Consideration paid - satisfied in cash 

 1,558 

 9,278 

 5,770 

 1,350 

 639 

(2,318)

(8,370)

 7,907 

 - 

 7,907 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1,558 

 9,278 

 5,770 

 1,350 

 639 

(2,318)

(8,370)

 7,907 

 - 

 7,907 

73

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Canterbury Limited
 On 4 August 2009, the Group (via its new subsidiary Canterbury Limited) acquired the global rights to the rugby brands ‘Canterbury’ and ‘Canterbury of New 
Zealand’ from Canterbury Europe Limited (in administration) for a cash consideration of £6,672,000. Inventory with a fair value of £4,289,000 was also acquired.  
The book value of the assets acquired was considered to be the fair value and no goodwill arose on the acquisition. 

 The final fair value of the net assets acquired was £10,961,000. During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments have been 
made to the provisional fair values of the net assets of Canterbury Limited as at the acquisition date.

Canterbury International (Far East) Limited
 On 4 August 2009, Canterbury Limited acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Canterbury International (Far East) Limited for a cash consideration of £1. 
The provisional fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired was £1. No goodwill arose on this acquisition.

 The final fair value of the net assets acquired was £1. During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments have been made to the 
provisional fair values of the net assets of Canterbury International (Far East) Limited as at the acquisition date.

Canterbury (North America) LLC
 On 24 November 2009, Canterbury Limited (via its new subsidiary Canterbury (North America) LLC) acquired the key trading assets from Sail City Apparel 
Limited (in liquidation). The total cash consideration paid was £442,000 which included inventory with a value of £392,000 with associated fees of £50,000. 
The book value of the assets acquired was considered to be the fair value and no goodwill arose on the acquisition.

The final fair value of the net assets acquired was £442,000. During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments have been made to 
the provisional fair values of the net assets of Canterbury (North America) LLC as at the acquisition date.

Acquisition of Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited
 On 23 December 2009, Canterbury Limited acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited for a cash 
consideration of £2 together with associated fees of £100,000. Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited operates the Canterbury brand in Australia.

During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments have been made to the provisional fair values of the net assets of Canterbury 
International (Australia) Pty Limited as at the acquisition date.

 Acquiree's net assets at the acquisition date: 

 Property, plant and equipment 

 Inventories 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Trade and other payables 

 Intercompany loan 

 Net identifiable assets 

 Goodwill on acquisition 

 Consideration paid - satisfied in cash 

Provisional fair 
value at 
30 January 2010 
 £000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
29 January 2011 
 £000 

 144 

 1,866 

 1,175 

 918 

(3,386)

(617)

 100 

 - 

 100 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 144 

 1,866 

 1,175 

 918 

(3,386)

(617)

 100 

 - 

 100 

Acquisition of Canterbury of New Zealand Limited
 On 23 December 2009, Canterbury Limited acquired 51% of the issued share capital of Canterbury of New Zealand Limited for a cash consideration of £1 
together with associated fees of £200,000. Canterbury of New Zealand Limited operates the Canterbury brand in New Zealand.

During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments have been made to the provisional fair values of the net assets of Canterbury of 
New Zealand Limited as at the acquisition date.

 Acquiree's net assets at acquisition date: 

 Property, plant and equipment 

 Inventories 

 Trade and other receivables 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

 Trade and other payables 

 Income tax liabilities 

 Intercompany loan 

 Shareholder loan 

 Net identifiable assets 

 Non-controlling interest (49%) 

 Goodwill on acquisition 

 Consideration paid - satisfied in cash 

74

Provisional fair 
value at 
30 January 2010 
 £000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
29 January 2011 
 £000 

 123 

 1,501 

 1,256 

 504 

(1,450)

(8)

(771)

(763)

 392 

(192)

 -   

 200 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 123 

 1,501 

 1,256 

 504 

(1,450)

(8)

(771)

(763)

 392 

(192)

 - 

 200 

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Acquisition of Duffer of St George Limited
 On 24 November 2009, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Duffer of St George Limited for a cash consideration of £863,000. 
Duffer of St George Limited owns the global rights to the brand name ‘The Duffer of St George’.

During the 12 month period following acquisition, no measurement adjustments have been made to the provisional fair values of the net assets of Duffer of St 
George Limited as at the acquisition date.

Acquiree's net assets at the acquisition date: 

Intangible assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Deferred tax asset 

Net identifiable assets 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash 

12.  Disposals

Provisional fair 
value at 
30 January 2010 
 £000 

Fair value 
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
29 January 2011 
 £000 

 2,042 

 220 

 212 

(1,616)

 5 

 863 

 - 

 863 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 2,042 

 220 

 212 

(1,616)

 5 

 863 

 - 

 863 

Disposal of 25% of issued ordinary share capital of Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited
 On 28 January 2011, Canterbury Limited disposed of 25% of the issued ordinary share capital of Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited to the local 
management team by issuing new shares in exchange for a cash consideration of AUD $1,100,000. This takes the Group’s shareholding to 75%. As the Group 
has maintained control of Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited, the decrease in Group ownership has been accounted for as an equity transaction.

13.  Intangible assets

GROUP 

Cost or valuation 

At 31 January 2009 

Acquisitions (restated - see note 1) 

At 30 January 2010 

Acquisitions 

 Goodwill 
 £000 

 Brand licences 
 £000 

 Brand names 
 £000 

 Fascia name 
 £000 

 40,804 

 1,537 

 42,341 

 - 

 4,279 

 - 

 4,279 

 7,500 

 - 

 9,167 

 9,167 

 2,060 

At 29 January 2011 

 42,341 

 11,779 

 11,227 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 31 January 2009 

Charge for the period 

Impairment

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for the period 

At 29 January 2011 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

At 31 January 2009 

 7,252 

 - 

2,617

 9,869 

 - 

 9,869 

 422 

 362 

-

 784 

 424 

 1,208 

 32,472 

 10,571 

 32,472 

 33,552 

 3,495 

 3,857 

 - 

 400 

-

 400 

 1,036 

 1,436 

 9,791 

 8,767 

 - 

 5,481 

 - 

 5,481 

 - 

 5,481 

 - 

 - 

-

 - 

 - 

 - 

 5,481 

 5,481 

 5,481 

 Total 
 £000 

 50,564 

 10,704 

 61,268 

 9,560 

 70,828 

 7,674 

 762 

2,617

 11,053 

 1,460 

 12,513 

 58,315 

 50,215 

 42,890 

75

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

13.  Intangible assets (continued)

Goodwill impairment
The impairment in the prior period related to the residual goodwill on the acquisition in the year to 29 January 2005 of the entire issued share capital of RD Scott 
Limited. An initial impairment of £2,000,000 was recognised in the year to 27 January 2007. Although the performance of the business had improved since this 
point, it had not progressed sufficiently to justify carrying the remaining goodwill and so the remaining balance of £2,617,000 was impaired in the year to 30 
January 2010.

 Brand licences
Brand licences comprise the following:

I. 

Fila brand licence
 On 20 January 2011, the Group acquired a 10 year licence for the exclusive use of the Fila brand in the UK and Republic of Ireland for a cash consideration 
of £7,500,000.  This amount is being amortised on a straight line basis over the licence period. Amortisation of this intangible is included within cost of sales 
in the Consolidated Income Statement.

II.  Sergio Tacchini brand licence

 The Group has a sub-licence to use the Sergio Tacchini brand in the UK until 2019. The original cost of £4,279,000 is being amortised on a straight line 
basis over the licence period.  Amortisation of this intangible is included within cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 Brand names
Brand names comprise the following:

I.  Sonneti brand name

 On 26 April 2010, the Group acquired the global rights to the fashion brand name, ‘Sonneti’, for £1,520,000. This brand name is being amortised over a 
period of 10 years and the amortisation charge is included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement. At 29 January 2011 the 
net book value of this brand was £1,444,000.

II.  Chilli Pepper brand name

 On 18 June 2010, the Group acquired the European rights to the fashion brand name, ‘Chilli Pepper’, for £190,000.  This brand name is being amortised 
over a period of 10 years and the amortisation charge is included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement. At 29 January 
2011 the net book value of this brand was £181,000.

III.  Nanny State brand name

 On 4 August 2010, the Group acquired the global rights to the fashion footwear and apparel brand name, ‘Nanny State’, for £350,000. This brand name is 
being amortised over a period of 10 years and the amortisation charge is included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.  
At 29 January 2011 the net book value of this brand was £333,000.

IV.  Canterbury brand name

 In the prior year, the Group acquired the global rights to the rugby brands ‘Canterbury’ and ‘Canterbury of New Zealand’ for £6,672,000. This brand name is 
being amortised over a period of 10 years and the amortisation charge is included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.  
At 29 January 2011 the net book value of this brand was £5,672,000 (2010: £6,339,000).

V.  Kooga brand name

 In the prior year, as part of the acquisition of Kooga Rugby Limited, the Group acquired the global rights (excluding Australia and the Pacific Islands) to the ‘Kooga’ 
brand name. This brand name was valued at £453,000 and is being amortised over a period of 10 years, with the amortisation charge included within 
administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.  At 29 January 2011 the net book value of this brand was £382,000 (2010: £427,000).

VI.  Duffer of St George brand name

 In the prior year, as part of the acquisition of Duffer of St George Limited, the Group acquired the global rights to the brand name ‘The Duffer of St George’. 
This brand name was valued at £2,042,000 and is being amortised over a period of 10 years, with the amortisation charge included within administrative 
expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement. At 29 January 2011 the net book value of this brand was £1,779,000 (2010: £2,001,000).

Fascia name
 The fascia name of £5,481,000 represents the fair value of the ‘Bank’ fascia name acquired as part of the acquisition of Bank Stores Holdings Limited and its 
subsidiaries during the period ended 2 February 2008. The ‘Bank’ fascia name is not being amortised as management consider this asset to have an infinite 
useful economic life. Factors considered by the Board in determining that the useful life of the Bank fascia name is infinite include:

• 

• 

• 

The strength of the Bank fascia name in the branded fashion sector as demonstrated by increased revenues and levels of operating profit

The history of the fascia name and that of similar assets in the retail sector

 The commitment of the Group to continue to operate Bank stores separately for the foreseeable future, including the ongoing investment in new stores 
and refurbishments

76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

13.  Intangible assets (continued)

COMPANY 

Cost or valuation 

At 31 January 2009 and 30 January 2010 

Acquisitions 

At 29 January 2011 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 31 January 2009 

Charge for the period 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for the period 

At 29 January 2011 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

At 31 January 2009 

 Goodwill 
 £000 

 Brand licences 
 £000 

 Brand names 
 £000 

19,945 

 - 

4,279 

 7,500 

 19,945 

 11,779 

4,045 

 - 

4,045 

 - 

422 

362 

784 

 424 

 4,045 

 1,208 

 - 

 1,710 

 1,710 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 85 

 85 

 Total 
 £000 

24,224 

 9,210 

 33,434 

4,467 

362 

4,829 

 509 

 5,338 

 15,900 

 10,571 

 1,625 

 28,096 

15,900 

15,900 

3,495 

3,857 

 - 

 - 

19,395 

19,757 

Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (‘CGUs’) and tested annually for impairment. The CGUs used are either the store portfolios or 
distribution businesses acquired. The recoverable amount is compared to the carrying amount of the CGU including goodwill.

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. The carrying amount of goodwill by CGU is shown below:

Allsports store portfolio 

First Sport store portfolio 

Bank store portfolio 

Topgrade Sportswear Limited 

Nicholas Deakins Limited 

Kooga Rugby Limited 

GROUP

COMPANY

2011 
 £000 

 924 

 14,976 

 14,154 

 17 

 864 

 1,537 

2010 
(restated - 
see note 1) 
 £000 

 924 

 14,976 

 14,154 

 17 

 864 

 1,537 

2011 
 £000 

 924 

 14,976 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

2010 
 £000

 924 

 14,976 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

32,472

 32,472 

15,900

 15,900

The key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations are set out below:

• 

• 

 In relation to the Allsports store portfolio, First Sport store portfolio and Bank store portfolio, the cash flow projections are based on actual operating results, 
together with financial forecasts and strategy plans approved by the Board covering a five year period. These forecasts and plans are based on both past 
performance and expectations for future market development. Cash flows beyond this five year period are extrapolated using a growth rate of 2.0% (2010: 
2.0%) which is an estimate of the growth based on past experience within the Group

 In relation to Nicholas Deakins Limited and Kooga Rugby Limited the cash flow projections are based on actual divisional operating results together with 
financial forecasts and strategy plans approved by the Board covering a five year period. These forecasts are based on both past performance and 
expectations for future development. Cash flows beyond this five year period are extrapolated using a growth rate of 2.0% (2010: 2.0%) which is an estimate 
based on past experience

• 

 The discount rate of 14.9% (2010: 12.7%) is pre-tax and reflects the specific risks and costs of capital of the Group

77

 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

13.  Intangible assets (continued)

Impairment tests for intangible assets with infinite lives 
Intangible assets with infinite lives are tested annually for impairment by comparing the recoverable amount to their carrying value. 

Fascia name 
The recoverable amount of the Bank fascia name is determined based on a value-in-use method of valuation. The carrying value of the Bank intangible assets 
are compared with the present value of future cash flows generated by the store portfolio. The cash flow projections are based on actual operating results, 
together with financial forecasts and strategy plans approved by the Board covering a five year period. These forecasts and plans are based on both past 
performance and expectations for future market development. Cash flows beyond this five year period are extrapolated using a growth rate of 2.0% (2010: 2.0%) 
which is an estimate of the growth based on past experience within the Group. The discount rate of 14.9% (2010: 12.7%) is pre-tax and reflects the specific risks 
and costs of capital of the Group.

Impairment tests for intangible assets with definite lives 
Intangible assets with definite lives are tested annually for impairment by comparing the recoverable amount to their carrying value.

Brand names 
The recoverable amount of brand names is determined based on a ‘royalty relief’ method of valuation, which takes projected future sales, applies a royalty rate 
to them and discounts the projected future post-tax royalties to arrive at a net present value. The Group has used a pre-tax discount rate of 14.9% (2010: 12.7%) 
to reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the assets, for which the future cash flow estimates have not been 
adjusted. Projected future sales are based on Board approved forecasts up to five years, and subsequent sales projections assume an annual growth up to 
2.0% over the remaining life of the brand names. 

Brand licences 
The recoverable amount of brand licences is based on an estimation of future sales and other specific cash flows, the contracted royalty rate and the choice of a 
suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value.  The Group has used a pre-tax discount rate of 14.9% (2010: 12.7%) to reflect the risks specific to 
the assets, for which future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted. Projected future sales are based on a three year Board approved forecast. Subsequent 
sales projections assume an annual growth of 5.0% for the following two years and then 2.0% over the remaining licence period. 

Sensitivity analysis
A sensitivity analysis has been performed on the base case assumptions used for assessing the goodwill.

For the Kooga Rugby Limited cash-generating unit, changes in key assumptions could cause the carrying value of the unit to exceed its recoverable amount.

The Board has considered the possibility of the business achieving less revenue and gross profit than budgeted. Whilst the reduction in revenue would be 
partially offset by a reduction in revenue related costs, the Board would also take actions to mitigate the loss of gross profit by reducing other costs.

Should the business have a 1.0% reduction in forecast gross profit and be unable to reduce selling and distribution and administrative costs, the reduction in 
value-in-use would lead to an impairment of £445,000.

A reduction from 2.0% to nil in the growth rate, beyond the five year Board approved financial forecast and strategy plan, with no actions taken to change the 
cost structure forecast, would lead to an additional impairment of £95,000.

For the Bank goodwill cash-generating unit, changes in key assumptions could cause the carrying value of the unit to exceed its recoverable amount.

The Board has considered the possibility of the business achieving less revenue and gross profit than budgeted. Whilst the reduction in revenue would be 
partially offset by a reduction in revenue related costs, the Board would also take actions to mitigate the loss of gross profit by reducing other costs.

Should the business have a 5.0% reduction in forecast revenue and be unable to reduce selling and distribution and administrative costs, the reduction in value-
in-use would lead to an impairment of £1,160,000. All other assumptions remain unchanged.

With regards to the assessment of value-in-use of all other cash-generating units, the Board believe that there are no reasonably possible changes in any of the 
key assumptions, which would cause the carrying value of the unit to exceed its recoverable amount.

78

Notes to  
the Consolidated  
Financial Statements (continued)

14.  Property, plant and equipment 

GROUP 

Cost 

At 31 January 2009 

Additions 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

On acquisition of subsidiaries 

At 30 January 2010 

Additions 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 29 January 2011 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 31 January 2009 

Charge for period 

Impairments 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 29 January 2011 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

At 31 January 2009 

 Improvements to
 short leasehold
 properties 
 £000 

 Land 
 £000 

 Computer 
 equipment 
 £000 

 Fixtures and  
 fittings 
 £000 

 Motor  
 vehicles
 £000 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 942 

 -   

 -   

 942 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 942 

 -   

 -   

 14,938 

 2,172 

(1,145)

 48 

 144 

 16,157 

 2,492 

(1,504)

 59 

 11,153 

 1,445 

(1,123)

(14)

 212 

 11,673 

 2,325 

(304)

 73 

 109,495 

 17,823 

(8,897)

 19 

 1,571 

 120,011 

 24,922 

(8,549)

(207)

 17,204 

 13,767 

 136,177 

 8,254 

 1,212 

 37 

(938)

 14 

 8,579 

 1,890 

(1,159)

 53 

 8,255 

 1,604 

 11 

(1,118)

(10)

 8,742 

 1,870 

(285)

 69 

 56,629 

 13,784 

 359 

(7,508)

(71)

 63,193 

 14,515 

(7,109)

(196)

 9,363 

 10,396 

 70,403 

 7,841 

 7,578 

 6,684 

 3,371 

 65,774 

 2,931 

 56,818 

 2,898 

 52,866 

 298 

 32 

(200)

 -   

 -   

 130 

 174 

(124)

 7 

 187 

 78 

 60 

 -   

(115)

 -   

 23 

 63 

(94)

 3 

(5)

 192 

 107 

 220 

 Total 
 £000 

 135,884 

 21,472 

(11,365)

 53 

 1,927 

 147,971 

 30,855 

(10,481)

(68)

 168,277 

 73,216 

 16,660 

 407 

(9,679)

(67)

 80,537 

 18,338 

(8,647)

(71)

 90,157 

 78,120 

 67,434 

 62,668 

Impairment charges of £nil (2010: £407,000) relate to all classes of property, plant and equipment in cash-generating units which are loss making and where it is 
considered that the position cannot be recovered as a result of a continuing deterioration in the performance in the particular store. The cash-generating units 
represent individual stores, or a collection of stores where the cash flows are not independent, with the loss based on the specific revenue streams and costs 
attributable to those cash-generating units. Assets in impaired stores are written down to their recoverable amount which is calculated as the greater of the fair 
value less costs to sell and value-in-use. 

In the period to 29 January 2011, the addition of land of £942,000 (2010: £nil) relates to the purchase of a plot adjacent to the new Group warehouse, upon 
which a new Group head office will be constructed.    

79

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

14.  Property, plant and equipment (continued)

COMPANY 

Cost 

At 31 January 2009 

Additions 

Disposals 

At 30 January 2010 

Additions 

Disposals 

At 29 January 2011 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 31 January 2009 

Charge for period 

Impairments 

Disposals 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

At 29 January 2011 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

 Improvements to
short leasehold
properties 
 £000

 Computer
 equipment
 £000

 Fixtures and
 fittings 
 £000 

 Motor
 vehicles 
 £000 

 12,580 

 1,199 

(989)

 12,790 

 1,383 

(1,184)

 9,892 

 801 

(85)

 10,608 

 1,752 

(197)

 89,275 

 11,115 

(6,520)

 93,870 

 15,042 

(5,486)

 12,989 

 12,163 

 103,426 

 7,399 

 935 

 24 

(809)

 7,549 

 1,279 

(935)

 7,435 

 1,083 

 3 

(84)

 8,437 

 1,438 

(195)

 48,929 

 10,453 

 76 

(5,549)

 53,909 

 10,477 

(4,763)

 7,893 

 9,680 

 59,623 

 166 

 7 

(15)

 158 

 158 

(82)

 234 

 77 

 22 

 -   

(13)

 86 

 44 

(53)

 77 

 Total 
 £000 

 111,913 

 13,122 

(7,609)

 117,426 

 18,335 

(6,949)

 128,812 

 63,840 

 12,493 

 103 

(6,455)

 69,981 

 13,238 

(5,946)

 77,273 

 5,096 

 2,483 

 43,803 

 157 

 51,539 

 5,241

 2,171 

 39,961 

 72 

 89 

 47,445 

 48,073 

At 31 January 2009 

 5,181 

 2,457 

 40,346 

80

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

15.  Investment property 

GROUP AND COMPANY 

Cost 

At 31 January 2009, 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 31 January 2009 

Charge for period 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Impairment 

At 29 January 2011 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

At 31 January 2009 

 £000 

 4,160 

 58 

 49 

 107 

 46 

 1,007 

 1,160 

 3,000 

 4,053 

 4,102

Based on an external valuation, the fair value of the investment property as at 29 January 2011 was £3,000,000 (2010: £3,400,000). 

Management consider the carrying value of the investment property to be impaired based on value-in-use projections of future rental income.  Accordingly, 
an impairment loss of £1,007,000 has been recognised in the period to write the asset down to its recoverable amount, which reflects the external valuation 
performed (see note 4).

16.  Non-current other assets 

Loan notes receivable from joint venture 

Key money 

Deposits 

Legal fees 

GROUP

COMPANY

2011 
 £000 

 - 

 8,419 

 779 

 3,849 

2010 
 £000 

 922 

 8,553 

 659 

 3,098 

 13,047 

 13,232 

2011 
 £000 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 3,590 

 3,590 

2010 
 £000 

 922 

 - 

 - 

 2,865 

 3,787

 The loan notes receivable from the joint venture earned interest at bank base lending rates plus a margin of 1.5%. £923,000 was repaid in the year including 
interest accrued of £1,000 since the prior year end (2010: £1,750,000). As at 29 January 2011, the balance had been repaid in full.

Key money represents monies paid in certain countries to give access to retail locations.

Deposits represent money paid in certain countries to store landlords as protection against non-payment of rent.

Legal fees represents legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of leasehold interests.

Impairment losses of £nil (2010: £1,000) have been recognised on other assets in specific cash-generating units which are loss making. 

The methodology behind identifying loss making cash-generating units is explained in note 14. 

Amortisation of non-current other assets of £531,000 (2010: £392,000) has been recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement (see note 3).

81

 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

17.  Interest in joint venture 

 On 3 December 2007, the Group acquired 49% of the issued share capital of Focus Brands Limited for an initial cash consideration of £49,000 together with 
associated fees of £456,000. Focus Brands Limited was a jointly controlled entity set up for the purposes of acquiring Focus Group Holdings Limited and its 
subsidiary companies (‘Focus Group’). The Focus Group is involved in the design, sourcing and distribution of branded and own brand footwear, apparel and 
accessories. As at 29 January 2011, Focus Brands Limited was jointly controlled with the former shareholders of Focus Group Holdings Limited.

 On 16 February 2011, the Group acquired a further 31% of the issued share capital of Focus Brands Limited for a cash consideration of £1,000,000, with 
potential further deferred consideration of £250,000 depending on performance (see note 35). As a result there is no further deferred consideration payable  
on the original transaction.

 The results and assets and liabilities of the Focus Group are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting.  
The interest in the joint venture in the Group’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is based on the share of the net assets, which are as follows:

Non-current assets 

Current assets 

Current liabilities 

Total net assets 

 As at 
 29 January 2011 
 £000 

 As at 
 30 January 2010 
 £000 

 447 

 5,196 

(2,185)

 3,458 

 486 

 4,641 

(4,492)

 635 

The Group’s share of the revenue generated by the joint venture in the period was £15,418,000 (2010: £11,774,000).

The amount included in the Consolidated Income Statement in relation to the joint venture is as follows:

52 weeks to 29 January 2011 

52 weeks to 30 January 2010 

 Before 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

 Exceptionals 
 £000 

 After 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

 Before 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

 Exceptionals 
 £000 

 After 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

Share of result before tax 

Tax 

Share of result after tax 

 2,102 

(627)

 1,475 

 1,549 

(201)

 1,348 

 3,651 

(828)

 2,823 

 740 

(201)

 539 

(1,406)

 394 

(1,012)

(666)

 193 

(473)

 As at 29 January 2011, the Group had loan notes receivable from Focus Brands Limited, including accrued interest thereon, to the value of £nil  
(2010: £922,000).

The exceptional items in the current year relate to unrealised gains on foreign exchange contracts and the reversal of the impairment of the investment held by 
Focus Brands Limited in Focus Group Holdings Limited, following repayment of original purchase consideration by the vendors of Focus Group Holdings Limited.  
The exceptional items in the prior year relate entirely to unrealised losses on foreign exchange contracts.

82

 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

18.  Investments 

COMPANY

Cost 

At 31 January 2009 

Additions 

At 30 January 2010 

Additions 

At 29 January 2011 

Impairment 

At 31 January 2009 

Impairments 

At 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011

Net book value 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

At 31 January 2009 

 £000 

 8,668 

 4,666 

 13,334 

 1,200 

 14,534 

 2,000 

 3,470 

 5,470 

 9,064 

 7,864 

 6,668

The additions to investments in the year comprise a £1,200,000 additional investment in Hallco 1521 Limited (the intermediate holding company of Topgrade 
Sportswear Limited) which takes the Group’s holding to 80% and £1 investment relating to the acquisition of Nanny State Limited (100% owned) (see note 11).

The impairment in the prior period relates to the investment in RD Scott Limited (see note 13).

A full list of subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities is shown in note 37.

19.  Available for sale investments 

GROUP AND COMPANY 

Cost 

At 31 January 2009

Additions from rights issue and placing 

Disposals 

At 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011

Fair value 

At 31 January 2009

Additions from rights issue and placing 

Proceeds on disposal net of fees paid 

Gain on disposal 

At 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011

 £000 

 8,130 

 9,990 

(18,120)

 - 

 2,053 

 9,990 

(16,132)

 4,089 

 -

The available for sale investments represented investments in listed equity securities. The Group held a non-strategic investment of 9.99% in JJB Sports Plc 
until 9 December 2009 when it disposed of 65,018,098 ordinary shares for 25p a share, giving a realised loss on disposal of £1,988,000. With the impairment 
recognised in the year ended 31 January 2009 of £6,077,000 this resulted in an exceptional gain in the period to 30 January 2010 of £4,089,000. 

83

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

20.  Inventories 

GROUP 

COMPANY 

 2010 
 (restated - 
 see note 1) 
 £000 

 2011 
 £000 

 2011 
 £000 

2010
 £000 

Finished goods and goods for resale 

 84,490

 74,475 

 47,472

 44,125

The cost of inventories recognised as expenses and included in cost of sales for the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2011 was £452,520,000 
(2010: £393,694,000). 

GROUP

COMPANY

 2011 
 £000 

 2010 
 £000 

 2011 
 £000 

 2010 
 £000 

 13,626 

 1,955 

 21,524 

 - 

 10,535 

 2,179 

 18,943 

 - 

 902 

 601 

 13,566 

 67,466 

 312 

 876 

 12,003 

 64,189 

 37,105 

 31,657 

 82,535 

 77,380 

 Gross 
 £000 

 7,474 

 2,973 

 4,041 

2011 

Provision 
 £000 

(56)

(25)

(781)

 Net 
 £000 

 7,418 

 2,948 

 3,260 

 Gross 
 £000 

 5,634 

 2,571 

 3,246 

2010 

Provision
 £000 

(25)

(123)

(768)

Net
 £000 

 5,609 

 2,448 

 2,478 

 14,488 

(862)

 13,626 

 11,451 

(916)

 10,535 

Gross
 £000 

 111 

 475 

 538 

 1,124 

2011 

Provision
 £000 

 -   

(26)

(196)

(222)

Net
 £000 

 111 

 449 

 342 

 902 

Gross
 £000 

 151 

 146 

 123 

 420 

2010 

Provision
 £000 

 -   

(26)

(82)

(108)

Net
 £000 

 151 

 120 

 41 

 312 

21.  Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Amounts owed by other Group companies 

The ageing of trade receivables is detailed below:

GROUP

Not past due

Past due 30-60 days

Past 60 days

COMPANY

Not past due

Past due 30-60 days

Past 60 days

84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

21.  Trade and other receivables (continued) 

 The Board consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximate their fair value. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade 
receivables are limited due to the majority of the Group’s customer base being large and unrelated. Therefore, no further credit risk provision is required in excess 
of the normal provision for impairment losses, which has been calculated following individual assessments of credit quality based on historic default rates and 
knowledge of debtor insolvency or other credit risk. 

Movement on this provision is shown below:

At 31 January 2009 

Created 

Released  

On acquisition of subsidiaries 

Utilised 

At 30 January 2010 

Created 

Released  

Utilised 

At 29 January 2011 

 GROUP 
 £000 

 COMPANY 
 £000 

 188 

 241 

(105)

 661 

(69)

 916 

 715 

(45)

(724)

 862 

 - 

 108 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 108 

 114 

 - 

 - 

 222 

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

22.  Cash and cash equivalents 

GROUP

COMPANY

 2011  
 £000  

 2010  
 £000 

  2011  
 £000 

 2010 
 £000 

Bank balances and cash floats 

 90,131

 64,524 

 81,204

 56,954

23.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

GROUP

COMPANY

Current liabilities 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Non-current liabilities 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Other loans 

2011 
 £000 

 2,874 

 2,874 

 287 

 830 

2010 
 £000 

 2,712 

 2,712 

 600 

 747 

 1,117 

 1,347 

2011 
 £000 

2010 
 £000 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

85

 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

23.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (continued) 

The following provides information about the contractual terms of the Group and Company’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings. For more information about 
the Group and Company’s exposure to interest rate risk, see note 24.

Bank facilities
As at 29 January 2011, the Group had a £70,000,000 revolving facility in the UK which was due to expire on 18 October 2011. Under this facility, a maximum of 
10 drawdowns could be outstanding at any time with drawdowns made for a period of one, two, three or six months with interest payable at a rate of LIBOR plus 
a margin of 0.75% (2010: 0.75%). The commitment fee on the undrawn element of the facility was 45% of the applicable margin rate.

At 29 January 2011, there were no amounts drawndown on this facility (2010: £nil).

Subsequent to the year end, a new committed borrowing facility of £75,000,000 has been agreed. Further information on this new facility is provided in note 35.

Bank loans and overdrafts
The following Group companies have overdraft facilities which are repayable on demand:

• 

• 

• 

Topgrade Sportswear Limited £2,000,000 (2010: £2,000,000)

Nicholas Deakins Limited £600,000 (2010: £600,000)

Chausport SA €3,000,000 (2010: €2,450,000)

Further information on guarantees provided by the Company is disclosed in notes 24 and 34.

Included within bank loans and overdrafts are term loans of £575,000 (2010: £885,000) within Chausport SA which have been taken out to fund the 
refurbishment of specific stores. The interest rates range from 5.10% to 6.50% and are secured on the fixtures in those particular stores.

The maturity of the bank loans and overdrafts is as follows:

Within one year 

Between one and five years 

GROUP

COMPANY

2011 
 £000 

 2,874 

 287 

 3,161 

2010 
 £000 

 2,712 

 600 

 3,312 

 2011 
 £000 

2010 
 £000 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

Other loans 
The Group has a loan payable to Herald Island Limited, the non-controlling interest in Canterbury of New Zealand Limited, which was acquired in the prior 
period (see note 11). The loan attracts interest at 3.0% above the Group’s cost of funds and is repayable on exercise of the put and call option (see note 25).

The maturity of the other loans is as follows:

Between one and five years 

GROUP 

COMPANY 

2011
£000 

 830 

 830 

2010 
£000

 747 

 747 

2011 
£000

 -   

 -   

2010
£000 

 -   

 -   

86

 
 
  
  
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

24.  Financial instruments

 Financial assets
The Group’s financial assets are all categorised as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable 
payments that are not quoted in an active market. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise ‘Trade and other receivables’, ‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and 
‘Loan notes receivable from joint venture’ included within ‘Non-current other assets’ in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 

 Cash and cash equivalents comprise short-term cash deposits with major United Kingdom and European clearing banks earning floating rates of interest based 
upon bank base rates or rates linked to LIBOR. The currency profile of cash and cash equivalents is shown below:

GROUP

COMPANY

2011 
 £000 

2010 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

2010 
 £000 

Bank balances and cash floats 

 90,131 

 64,524 

 81,204 

 56,954 

Sterling 

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

 74,031 

 7,126 

 6,984 

 1,040 

 930 

 20 

 58,887 

 3,933 

 762 

 514 

 399 

 29 

 69,831 

 4,881 

 6,492 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 56,071 

 383 

 500 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 90,131 

64,524

 81,204 

56,954

Included in trade and other receivables are the following foreign currency denominated receivables:

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

GROUP

COMPANY

 2011 
 £000 

 1,350 

 802 

 1,845 

 1,179 

 387 

2010 
 £000 

 1,107 

 294 

 1,653 

 1,219 

 378 

2011 
 £000 

 240 

 12 

 - 

 - 

 - 

2010 
 £000 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 -

Financial liabilities
The Group’s financial liabilities are all categorised as other financial liabilities. Other financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost. The Group’s other 
financial liabilities comprise ‘Interest-bearing loans and borrowings’ and ‘Trade and other payables’.

The currency profile of interest-bearing loans and borrowings is shown below:

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Sterling 

Euros 

New Zealand Dollars 

2011 
 £000 

 3,991 

 603 

 2,558 

 830 

 3,991 

GROUP

2010 
 £000 

 4,059 

 1,567 

 1,745 

 747 

 4,059 

COMPANY

 2011 
 £000 

2010 
 £000 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Included in trade and other payables are the following foreign currency denominated payables:

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

GROUP

COMPANY

 2011 
 £000 

 7,775 

 1,479 

 197 

850 

 144 

2010 
 £000 

 7,737 

 1,153 

 1,850 

 333 

 202 

 2011 
 £000 

 41 

 469 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 -

2010 
 £000 

 336 

 87 

 - 

 - 

 -

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

24.  Financial instruments (continued)

Risk management 
The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in exchange rates, interest rates, credit risk and its liquidity 
position. The Group manages these risks through the use of derivative instruments, which are reviewed on a regular basis. Derivative instruments are not 
entered into for speculative purposes. There are no concentrations of risk in the period to 29 January 2011.

Interest rate risk 
The Group finances its operations by a mixture of retained profits and bank borrowings. The Group’s borrowings are at floating rates, partially hedged by floating 
rate interest on deposits, reflecting the seasonality of its cash flow. Interest rate risk therefore arises from bank borrowings. The Board regularly reviews the 
interest rate risk of the Group and uses interest rate swaps to minimise exposure to interest rate fluctuations where appropriate. Given that the Group’s 
syndicated facility was not drawn down during the year, the Board did not consider that an interest rate swap on the floating rate facility was necessary in the 
period to 29 January 2011. The net fair value of swap liabilities at 29 January 2011 was £nil (2010: £nil).

The Group has potential bank floating rate financial liabilities on its revolving credit facility, together with overdraft facilities in subsidiary companies (see note 23). 
There were no drawdowns from the revolving credit facility at 29 January 2011 (2010: £nil) thereby minimising the Group’s interest rate risk at the year end. 
When drawdowns are made, the Group is exposed to cash flow interest risk. Under the new facility (see note 35) interest is paid at a rate of LIBOR plus a 
margin of 1.25% (previous facility: 0.75%).

As at 29 January 2011 and 30 January 2010, the Group has no liabilities in respect of finance lease or similar hire purchase contracts.

A change of 1.0% in the average interest rates during the year, applied to the Group’s floating interest rate loans and borrowings as at the reporting date, would 
change profit before tax by £24,000 (2010: £2,000) and would change equity by £24,000 (2010: £2,000). This assumes that all other variables remain 
unchanged. Calculations are performed on the same basis as the prior year.

Foreign currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than pound sterling. The currencies giving rise 
to this risk are the Euro and US Dollar with sales made in Euros and purchases made in both Euros and US Dollars (principal exposure). To protect its foreign 
currency position, the Group sets a buying rate in each country for the purchase of goods in US Dollars at the start of the buying season (typically six to nine 
months before the product is received) and then enters into a number of local currency/US Dollar contracts whereby the minimum exchange rate on the 
purchase of dollars is guaranteed.

As at 29 January 2011, options have been entered into to protect approximately 93% of the US Dollar requirement for the period to January 2012. The balance 
of the US Dollar requirement for the period will be satisfied by additional options or at spot rates. Hedge accounting is not applied.

As at 29 January 2011, the fair value of these instruments was a liability of £789,000 (2010: asset of £605,000) which has been included within current liabilities 
(2010: current assets). A loss of £1,394,000 has been recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement for the change in fair value of these instruments. 

A 10.0% strengthening of sterling relative to the following currencies as at the reporting date would have reduced profit before tax and equity as follows:

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

Profit before tax

 Equity

2011 
 £000 

 179 

 693 

 (2) 

 3 

 23

 896 

2010 
 £000 

 357 

 69 

 47 

 36 

 3 

 512 

2011 
 £000 

 179 

 693 

 (2) 

 3 

 23 

896

A 10.0% weakening of sterling relative to the following currencies as at the reporting date would have increased profit before tax and equity as follows:

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

Profit before tax

Equity

 2011 
 £000 

 219 

 848 

 (2) 

 3 

 28 

1,096

2010 
 £000 

 392 

 76 

 52 

 40 

 3 

 563 

 2011 
 £000 

219

 848 

(2)

 3 

 28 

1,096

Calculations are performed on the same basis as the prior year and the method assumes that all other variables remain unchanged.

2010 
 £000 

 357 

 69 

 47 

 36 

 3 

 512

2010 
 £000 

 392 

 76 

 52 

 40 

 3 

 563

88

 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

24.  Financial instruments (continued)

Credit risk 
Credit risk arises from the possibility of customers and counterparties failing to meet their obligations to the Group. Investments of cash surpluses, borrowings and 
derivative instruments are made through major United Kingdom and European clearing banks, which must meet minimum credit ratings as required by the Board.

All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis and 
provision is made for impairment where amounts are not thought to be recoverable (see note 21). At the reporting date there were no significant concentrations 
of credit risk and receivables which are not impaired are believed to be recoverable.

The Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk to be equivalent to total trade and other receivables of £37,105,000 (2010: £31,657,000), cash and 
cash equivalents of £90,131,000 (2010: £64,524,000), deposits of £779,000 (2010: £659,000) and key money of £8,419,000 (2010: £8,553,000).

The Company has provided guarantees on banking facilities entered into by Topgrade Sportswear Limited, Nicholas Deakins Limited and Chausport SA totalling 
£2,000,000, £600,000 and €3,000,000 respectively. As at 29 January 2011, these facilities were drawn down by £2,586,000 (2010: £1,567,000). In addition, the 
£70,000,000 revolving credit facility agreement, which was in place as at 29 January 2011, encompassed cross guarantees between the Company, RD Scott 
Limited, Bank Fashion Limited, Bank Stores Holdings Limited, Bank Stores Financing Limited, Athleisure Limited and First Sport Limited to the extent to which 
any of these companies were overdrawn. As at 29 January 2011, these facilities were drawn down by £nil (2010: £nil). Subsequent to the year end, a new 
committed borrowing facility of £75,000,000 has been agreed. Further information on this new facility is provided in note 35.

Liquidity risk 
The Group manages its cash and borrowing requirement to minimise net interest expense, whilst ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquid resources to meet 
the operating needs of the business. The forecast cash and borrowing profile of the Group is monitored on an ongoing basis, to ensure that adequate headroom 
remains under committed borrowing facilities. The Board review 13 week and annual cash flow forecasts each month.

Information about the maturity of the Group’s financial liabilities is disclosed in note 23.

As at 29 January 2011, there were undrawn committed facilities with a maturity profile as follows:

Expiring in less than one year 

Expiring in more than one year but no more than two years 

2011 
 £000 

 70,000 

 - 

2010 
 £000 

 - 

 70,000 

 70,000 

 70,000

The commitment fee on these facilities is 0.34% (2010: 0.34%).

Fair values 
The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 29 January 2011 are as follows:

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - current 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - non-current 

Trade and other payables - current 

Other payables - non-current 

Note

 21 

 22 

 23 

 23 

 25 

 25 

GROUP 

COMPANY 

Carrying 
amount
 2011 
 £000 

 37,105 

 90,131 

(2,874)

(1,117)

(128,445)

(28,782)

Fair value
2011
 £000 

 37,105 

 90,131 

(2,874)

(1,117)

(128,445)

(28,782)

Carrying 
amount
2011
 £000 

 82,535 

 81,204 

 -   

 -   

(85,520)

(24,370)

Fair value
2011
 £000 

 82,535 

 81,204 

 -   

 -   

(85,520)

(24,370)

(33,982)

(33,982)

 53,849 

 53,849 

Unrecognised gains/(losses) 

 -   

 -   

89

  
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

24.  Financial instruments (continued) 

Fair values (continued)
The comparatives at 30 January 2010 are as follows:

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - current 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - non-current 

Trade and other payables - current 

Other payables - non-current 

Note

 21 

 22 

 23 

 23 

 25 

 25 

 GROUP 

 COMPANY 

Carrying 
amount
2010 
£000  

 31,657 

 64,524 

(2,712)

(1,347)

(115,742)

(24,050)

Fair value 
2010 
£000 

 31,657 

 64,524 

(2,712)

(1,347)

(115,742)

(24,050)

Carrying 
amount
2010 
£000 

 77,380 

 56,954 

 -   

 -   

(78,294)

(23,464)

Fair value 
2010 
£000 

 77,380 

 56,954 

 -   

 -   

(78,294)

(23,464)

(47,670)

(47,670)

 32,576 

 32,576 

Unrecognised gains/(losses) 

 -   

 -  

In the opinion of the Board, the fair value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities as at 29 January 2011 and 30 January 2010 are not considered to be 
materially different to that of the book value. On this basis, the carrying amounts have not been adjusted for the fair values.

Estimation of fair values
For trade and other receivables/payables (as adjusted for the fair value of foreign exchange contracts), the notional amount is deemed to reflect the fair value.

Fair value hierarchy
As at 29 January 2011, the Group held the following financial instruments carried at fair value on the Statement of Financial Position:

• 

Foreign exchange forward contracts - non-hedged

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly

Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data

At 29 January 2011

Carrying amount
 £000 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 

Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged  

(789)

At 30 January 2010

Carrying amount
 £000 

Level 1
 £000 

 - 

Level 1
 £000 

Level 2
 £000 

(789)

Level 2
 £000 

Level 3
 £000 

 - 

Level 3
 £000 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged  

 605 

 - 

 605 

 - 

25.  Trade and other payables

Current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Other payables and accrued expenses 

Other tax and social security costs 

Non-current liabilities 

Other payables and accrued expenses 

Amounts payable to other Group companies 

90

GROUP

COMPANY

 2011 
 £000 

 56,297 

 54,103 

 18,045 

2010 
 £000 

 52,268 

 49,265 

 14,209 

 128,445 

 115,742 

 28,782

 - 

 28,782 

 24,050 

 - 

 24,050 

2011 
 £000 

 40,777 

 34,627 

 10,116 

 85,520 

 17,788 

 6,582 

 24,370 

2010 
 £000 

 38,828 

 31,086 

 8,380 

 78,294 

 16,882 

 6,582 

 23,464

 
 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

25.  Trade and other payables (continued)

Put and call options
The Group has a number of options to buy the remaining shares in partly-owned subsidiaries from the non-controlling interest. The present value of these 
options has been estimated as at 29 January 2011 and is included within non-current other payables and accrued expenses.

Canterbury of New Zealand
On 23 December 2009, the Group (via its subsidiary Canterbury Limited) acquired 51% of the issued ordinary share capital of Canterbury of New Zealand 
Limited. The transaction included the agreement of a put and call option between Canterbury Limited and the vendors of Canterbury of New Zealand, whereby 
Canterbury Limited may acquire the remaining 49% of the issued share capital of Canterbury of New Zealand Limited. 

This option is exercisable by either party on the third anniversary of the completion of the initial transaction and on each anniversary thereafter. The option price is 
calculated based on a multiple of average audited profit before tax over the two most recently completed financial years prior to the exercise date. The option price 
shall not exceed NZ $15,000,000.

At as 29 January 2011, the present value of the non-controlling interest’s put option has been calculated based on expected earnings in Board-approved forecasts 
and a discount rate of 14.9%, which is pre-tax and reflects the specific risks and costs of capital of the Group.  A liability of £1,202,000 has been recognised 
(2010: £nil), with a corresponding debit to other equity.

Canterbury European Fashionwear Limited
On 27 July 2010, a new Group company was incorporated, Canterbury European Fashionwear Limited, which is 75% owned by Canterbury Limited, with the 
remaining 25% owned by a party external to the Group. On incorporation, a put and call option was agreed between Canterbury Limited and the non-controlling 
interest in Canterbury European Fashionwear Limited, whereby Canterbury Limited may acquire the remaining 25% of the issued share capital of Canterbury 
European Fashionwear Limited. 

This option is exercisable by either party on the fifth anniversary of incorporation and on each anniversary thereafter until the fifteenth anniversary, unless both 
parties agree to extend this term. The option price is calculated based on a multiple of average audited profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation 
over the two most recently completed financial years prior to the exercise date.  The option price shall not exceed £15,000,000.

At as 29 January 2011, the present value of the non-controlling interest’s put option has been calculated based on expected earnings in Board-approved forecasts 
and a discount rate of 14.9%, which is pre-tax and reflects the specific risks and costs of capital of the Group. The present value of this option has been assessed 
as £nil as at 29 January 2011. Accordingly, no liability has been recognised.

Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited
On 23 December 2009, the Group (via its subsidiary Canterbury Limited) acquired 100% of the issued ordinary share capital of Canterbury International 
(Australia) Pty Limited.  Subsequently, on 28 January 2011, Canterbury Limited disposed of 25% of the issued ordinary share capital of Canterbury International 
(Australia) Pty Limited by issuing new shares to the management team in exchange for a cash consideration of AUD $1,100,000. On completion of this transac-
tion, a put and call option was agreed between Canterbury Limited and the non-controlling interest in Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited, whereby 
Canterbury Limited may re-acquire the remaining 25% issued ordinary share capital from the non-controlling interest. 

This option is exercisable by either party on 1 March 2014 and on each anniversary thereafter. The option price is calculated based on a multiple of average 
earnings before tax. If, either, Canterbury Limited exercises its call option, or, the non-controlling interest exercises its put option and profit before tax has improved 
over the two most recent financial years, the option price is based on a multiple of average audited earnings before tax over the two most recently completed 
financial years prior to the exercise date.  If the non-controlling interest gives notice to exercise its put option and profit before tax has declined over the two most 
recent financial years, the put option is deferred until 1 October in the year of the exercise date. The option price is based on a multiple of earnings before tax, 
however, the time period over which average earnings is calculated varies depending on the performance of the business to 31 July in the year of the exercise 
date. In all cases the option price shall not exceed AUD $30,000,000.

At as 29 January 2011, the present value of the non-controlling interest’s put option has been calculated based on expected earnings in Board-approved forecasts 
and a discount rate of 14.9%, which is pre-tax and reflects the specific risks and costs of capital of the Group. A liability of £567,000 has been recognised, with a 
corresponding debit to other equity.

91

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

26.  Provisions

The provisions for onerous property leases represent anticipated minimum contractual lease costs less potential sublease income for vacant properties. For loss 
making stores, provision is made to the extent that the lease is deemed to be onerous. The provisions are discounted where the effect is material. The pre-tax 
discount rate used is the Group’s weighted average cost of capital of 14.9% (2010: 12.7%).

Within the onerous contracts provision, management have recognised that the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are lower than the unavoidable 
cost of meeting the obligations under the contract. The provisions have been made to the extent that the contracts are deemed to be onerous.

GROUP 

Balance at 30 January 2010

Provisions created during the period

Provisions released during the period

Provisions utilised during the period

Balance at 29 January 2011

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

GROUP 

Current 

Non-current 

COMPANY 

Balance at 30 January 2010

Provisions created during the period

Provisions released during the period

Provisions utilised during the period

Balance at 29 January 2011

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

COMPANY 

Current 

Non-current 

Onerous
property leases
 £000 

Onerous
contracts
 £000 

 9,731 

 2,875 

(1,038)

(2,834)

 8,734 

 584 

 -   

 -   

(290)

 294 

2011 
 £000 

 2,591 

 6,437 

 9,028 

2011 
 £000 

 1,920 

 4,072 

 5,992 

Total
 £000 

 10,315

 2,875 

(1,038)

(3,124)

 9,028 

2010 
 £000 

 2,920 

 7,395 

 10,315 

Onerous
property leases
 £000 

 7,746 

 874 

(668)

(1,960)

 5,992 

2010 
 £000 

 1,942 

 5,804 

 7,746

92

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

27.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following

GROUP 

Property, plant and equipment 

Chargeable gains held 
over/rolled over 

General accruals 

Tax losses 

Assets
2011
£000

(626)

 -   

 -   

(709)

Tax (assets)/liabilities 

(1,335)

Assets
2010
£000

Liabilities
2011
£000

Liabilities
2010
£000

 -   

 -   

 -   

(724)

(724)

 -   

 320 

 890 

 -   

 330 

 332 

 810 

 -   

 1,210 

 1,472 

Net
2011
£000

(626)

 320 

 890 

(709)

(125)

Net
2010
£000

 330 

 332 

 810 

(724)

 748 

Deferred tax assets on losses of AUD $20,955,000 within Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited and losses of £4,629,000 within Kooga Rugby Limited 
have not been recognised as there is uncertainty over the utilisation of these losses.

Movement in deferred tax during the period

Property, plant
and equipment
£000

Chargeable 
gains held over/
rolled over
£000

 General 
accruals 
£000

Tax losses 
£000

GROUP 

Balance at 31 January 2009 

On acquisition 

Recognised in income 

Balance at 30 January 2010 

Recognised in income 

Balance at 29 January 2011

 77 

 -   

 253 

 330 

(956)

(626)

 332 

 -   

 -   

 332 

(12)

 320 

 457 

 -   

 353 

 810 

 80 

 890 

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

COMPANY 

Property, plant and equipment 

Chargeable gains held 
over/rolled over 

General accruals 

Tax (assets)/liabilities 

Assets
2011
£000

(331)

 -   

(1,071)

(1,402)

Assets
2010
£000

Liabilities
2011
£000

Liabilities
2010
£000

(95)

 - 

(847)

(942)

 -   

 320 

 -   

 320 

 - 

 332 

 - 

 332 

Movement in deferred tax during the period

COMPANY 

Balance at 31 January 2009 

Recognised in income 

Balance at 30 January 2010 

Recognised in income 

Balance at 29 January 2011 

Property, plant 
and equipment
£000

Chargeable 
gains held over/
rolled over
£000

 332 

 -   

 332 

(12)

 176 

(271)

(95)

(236)

(331)

Total 
£000

 379 

(5)

 374 

 748 

(873)

(125)

Net
2010
£000

(95)

 332 

(847)

(610)

Total
£000

(571)

(39)

(610)

(472)

(487)

(5)

(232)

(724)

 15 

(709)

Net 
2011
£000

(331)

 320 

(1,071)

(1,082)

General 
accruals
£000

(1,079)

 232 

(847)

(224)

 320 

(1,071)

(1,082)

93

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

27.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

At 29 January 2011, the Group has no recognised deferred income tax liability (2010: £nil) in respect of taxes that would be payable on the unremitted earnings 
of certain subsidiaries. As at 29 January 2011, the unrecognised gross temporary differences in respect of reserves of overseas subsidiaries is £3,034,000 
(2010: £705,000). No deferred income tax liability has been recognised in respect of this temporary timing difference due to the foreign profits exemption, the 
availability of double tax relief and the ability to control the remittance of earnings. 

There are no income tax consequences attached to the payment of dividends by the Group to its shareholders. 

28.  Capital

Issued ordinary share capital

GROUP AND COMPANY 

Number of
ordinary shares
thousands

Ordinary
share capital
£000

At 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011 

 48,662

 2,433

The total number of authorised ordinary shares was 62,150,000 (2010: 62,150,000) with a par value of 5p per share (2010: 5p per share). All issued shares are 
fully paid.

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued share capital, share premium and retained earnings.  
It is the Board’s policy to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business. 
The Board consider the capital of the Group as the net cash/debt at the year end (see note 32) and the  Board review the gearing position of the Group which as at 
29 January 2011 was less than zero (2010: less than zero). There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during the period.

Full disclosure on the rights attached to shares is provided in the Directors’ Report on page 38. 

29.  Dividends

After the reporting date the following dividends were proposed by the Directors. The dividends were not provided for at the reporting date.

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to
30 January 2010
£000

19.20p per ordinary share (2010: 14.70p) 

 9,343 

 7,153 

Dividends on issued ordinary share capital 

Final dividend of 14.70p (2010: 8.90p) per qualifying ordinary share paid in respect of prior period, 
but not recognised as a liability in that period 

Interim dividend of 3.80p (2010: 3.30p) per qualifying ordinary share paid in respect of current period 

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to
30 January 2010
£000

7,153

1,849

9,002

 4,331

 1,606

 5,937

94

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

30.  Commitments

Group 
(i) Capital commitments 
As at 29 January 2011, the Group had entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

GROUP 

Contracted 

2011 
 £000 

9,772

2010 
 £000 

 2,953

Included in the commitments is £6,500,000 for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for the new warehouse which is due for completion in Spring 2012. 
Of this commitment £1,500,000 will be settled in the financial period to 2 February 2013. The remainder of the commitments will be settled in the financial period 
to 28 January 2012.

(ii) Operating lease commitments
The Group leases various retail outlets, offices, warehouses, plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying 
terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

Undiscounted total future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

GROUP

Within one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

After five years 

Land and
buildings
2011
£000

 78,644 

 258,483 

 238,698 

Plant and
equipment
2011
£000

 1,142 

 935 

 -   

Land and
buildings
2010
£000

 76,106

 256,313

 238,778

 575,825 

 2,077 

 571,197

Plant and
equipment
2010
£000

 1,125

 1,073

 -

 2,198

The future minimum rentals payable on land and buildings represent the base rents that are due on each property. Certain properties have rents which are partly 
dependent on turnover levels in the individual store concerned.

(iii) Sublease receipts
The Group subleases various retail outlets under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal 
rights. The total future minimum operating sublease receipts expected to be received at 29 January 2011 are as follows:

GROUP 

Within one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

After five years 

Company 
(i) Capital commitments
As at 29 January 2011, the Company had entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

COMPANY 

Contracted 

2011  
£000 

 507 

 1,154 

 1,376 

 3,037 

2011 
 £000 

8,015

2010 
£000 

 623 

 1,868 

 2,531 

 5,022

2010 
 £000

 2,217

Included in the commitments is £6,500,000 for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for the new warehouse which is due for completion in Spring 2012. 
Of this commitment £1,500,000 will be settled in the financial period to 2 February 2013. The remainder of the commitments will be settled in the financial period 
to 28 January 2012.

95

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

30.  Commitments (continued)

Company (continued)

(ii) Operating lease commitments
The Company leases various retail outlets, offices, warehouses, plant and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have 
varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

Undiscounted total future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

COMPANY 

Within one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

After five years 

Land and
buildings
2011
£000

 59,581 

 193,267 

 193,930 

Plant and
equipment
2011
£000

 934 

 753 

 -   

Land and
buildings
2010
£000

 57,219 

 193,453 

 183,931 

Plant and
equipment
2010
£000

 789 

 729 

 - 

 446,778 

 1,687 

 434,603 

 1,518

(iii) Sublease receipts
The Company subleases various retail outlets under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and 
renewal rights. The total future minimum operating sublease receipts expected to be received at 29 January 2011 are as follows:

COMPANY 

Within one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

After five years 

31.  Pension schemes

2011
 £000 

 428 

 1,099 

 1,376 

 2,903 

2010
 £000 

 538 

 1,736 

 2,531 

 4,805

The Group only operates defined contribution pension schemes. The pension charge for the period represents contributions payable by the Group of £1,154,000 
(2010: £765,000) in respect of employees, and £47,000 (2010: £44,000) in respect of Directors. The amount owed to the schemes at the period end was 
£63,000 (2010: £125,000).

32.  Analysis of net cash

GROUP 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Overdrafts 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Bank loans

Other loans

COMPANY 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Cash and cash equivalents 

96

 At 30 January 2010 
 £000 

 Cash flow 
 £000 

 At 29 January 2011 
 £000 

 64,524 

(2,427)

 25,607 

(159)

 90,131 

(2,586)

 62,097 

 25,448 

 87,545 

(885)

(747)

 310 

(83)

(575)

(830)

 60,465 

 25,675 

 86,140 

 At 30 January 2010 
 £000 

 Cash flow 
 £000 

 At 29 January 2011 
 £000 

 56,954 

 56,954 

 24,250 

 24,250 

 81,204 

 81,204 

 
 
 
Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

33.  Related party transactions and balances

Transactions and balances with related parties during the period are shown below. Transactions were undertaken in the ordinary course of business on an  
arms length basis. Outstanding balances are unsecured (unless otherwise stated) and will be settled in cash.

Transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group
During the period, the Group entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group:

GROUP

Pentland Group Plc

Sale of inventory

Purchase of inventory

Royalty costs

Other income

Focus Brands Limited

Purchase of inventory

Interest income

Rental income

Royalty income

Income from 
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
2011
£000

Income from  
related parties
2010
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
2010
£000

 440 

 -   

 -   

 264 

 -   

 1 

 308 

 480 

 -   

(13,306)

(104)

 -   

(12,201)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 351

 -   

 43 

 319 

 104 

 -   

(18,684)

 -   

 -   

(4,426)

 -   

 -   

 -  

At the end of the period, the following balances were outstanding with related parties who are not members of the Group:

GROUP

Pentland Group Plc

Trade receivables/(payables)

Focus Brands Limited

Loan notes receivable (including accrued interest)

Other receivables

Trade payables

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2010
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2010
£000

 21 

(1,226)

 -   

(1,310)

 -   

 273 

 -   

 -   

-

(3,154)

 922 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(567)

During the period, the Company entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group:

COMPANY

Pentland Group Plc

Purchase of inventory

Other income

Focus Brands Limited

Purchase of inventory

Interest income

Rental income

Royalty income

Income from 
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2011
£000

Income from 
related parties
2010
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2010
£000

 -   

 236 

 -   

 1 

 308 

 480 

(10,821)

 -   

(4,218)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 332 

 -   

 43 

 319 

 104 

(17,096)

 -   

(2,429)

 -   

 -   

 -  

97

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

33.  Related party transactions and balances (continued)

At the end of the period, the Company had the following balances outstanding with related parties who are not members of the Group:

COMPANY

Pentland Group Plc

Trade receivables/(payables)

Focus Brands Limited

Loan notes receivable (including accrued interest)

Other receivables

Trade payables

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2010
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2010
£000

 3 

 -   

 263 

 -   

(653)

 -   

 -   

(167)

 -   

(1,292)

 922 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(27)

Pentland Group Plc owns 57.5% (2010: 57.5%) of the issued ordinary share capital of JD Sports Fashion Plc. The Group and Company made purchases of 
inventory from Pentland Group Plc in the period and the Group also sold inventory to Pentland Group Plc. The other income represents marketing contributions 
received, whilst the Group also paid royalty costs to Pentland Group Plc for the use of a brand.

Focus Brands Limited was an entity jointly controlled by JD Sports Fashion Plc and the former shareholders of Focus Group Holdings Limited. At the reporting 
date JD Sports Fashion Plc owned 49% of the issued share capital. The Company and its subsidiaries made purchases from the Focus Group, the Company 
rents a property to this entity and the Company receives royalty income in relation to the Sergio Tacchini licence (see note 13). In the prior year JD Sports Fashion 
Plc had loan notes receivable from Focus Brands Limited (see note 16). 

Transactions with related parties who are members of the Group
During the period, the Company entered into the following transactions with related parties who are members of the Group:

Income from 
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2011
£000

Income from 
related parties
2010
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2010
£000

 -   

(238)

 -   

(100)

 146 

 57 

 6,782 

 1,769 

 -   

 11 

 92 

 -   

 1,198 

 77 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(67)

 -   

(291)

(166)

(208)

 -   

 131 

 13 

 5,866 

 1,731 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1,225 

 37 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(19)

 -   

(250)

(162)

(101)

 -   

COMPANY

Canterbury of New Zealand Limited (UK)

Purchase of inventory

JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS

Interest income

Duffer of St George Limited

Interest income

John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited

Sale of inventory

Other income

Kooga Rugby Limited

Purchase of inventory

Nanny State Limited

Interest income

Nicholas Deakins Limited

Sale/(purchase) of inventory

RD Scott Limited

Concession fee

Topgrade Sportswear Limited

Sale/(purchase) of inventory

Interest income

98

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

33.  Related party transactions and balances (continued)

At the end of the period, the Company had the following balances outstanding with related parties who are members of the Group:

COMPANY

Athleisure Limited

Long term loan

Bank Stores Holdings Limited

Long term loan

Bank Fashion Limited

Other intercompany balances

Canterbury Limited

Secured loan

Working capital loan

Canterbury of New Zealand Limited (UK)

Working capital loan

Trade payables

Canterbury European Fashionwear Limited

Income tax Group relief

First Sport Limited

Long term loan

JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS

Long term loan

Chausport SA

Other intercompany balances

Duffer of St George Limited

Secured loan

Income tax Group relief

John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited

Trade receivables

Other intercompany balances

John David Sports Limited

Other intercompany balance

Kooga Rugby Limited

Long term loan (net of provision)

Working capital loan

Trade payables

Income tax Group relief

Nanny State Limited

Secured loan

Working capital loan

Income tax Group relief

Nicholas Deakins Limited

Trade receivables/(payables)

Other intercompany balances

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2010
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2010
£000

 6,638 

 13,046 

 -   

 6,500 

 3,594 

 7,574 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 4,102 

 3,210 

 1,121 

 -   

 399 

 3,492 

 942 

 1,499 

 2,185 

 -   

 -   

 472 

 620 

 -   

 57 

 106 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(12)

(167)

(6,582)

 -   

 -   

 -   

(4)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(2)

(44)

 -   

 -   

(4)

(11)

 -   

 6,638 

 15,341 

 32 

 6,500 

 2,587 

 6,456 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 4,129 

 726 

 1,514 

 -   

 285 

 4,034 

-

 1,499 

 1,806 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 122 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(15)

 -   

(6,582)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

-

 -   

 -   

(1)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

99

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

33.  Related party transactions and balances (continued)

COMPANY (continued)

RD Scott Limited

Long term loan

Trade receivables/(payables)

Income tax Group relief

Topgrade Sportswear Limited

Working capital loan

Trade receivables/(payables) 

Income tax Group relief

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2010
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2010
£000

 6,833 

 6 

 -   

 6,328 

 255 

 -   

 -   

(57)

(247)

 -   

(867)

(98)

 8,694 

 51 

 -   

 4,008 

 4 

 -   

 -   

(24)

(197)

 -   

 -   

 -   

Long term loans represent historic intercompany balances and initial investment in subsidiary undertakings to enable them to purchase other businesses.  
These loans do not attract interest, with the exception of the loan to JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS, where interest is charged at the official French 
government interest rate. This interest rate is variable and is reviewed quarterly.

Working capital loans represent short term financing provided by the Company to its subsidiaries. These loans do not attract interest, with the exception of the 
loan to Topgrade Sportswear Limited which is not a wholly owned subsidiary. This loan attracts interest at the UK base rate plus a margin of 1.0%.

The secured loans from the Company to Canterbury Limited, Duffer of St George Limited and Nanny State Limited are secured upon the intellectual property in 
these companies. The loan to Canterbury Limited does not attract interest, whereas the loans to Duffer of St George Limited and Nanny State Limited accrue 
interest at the UK base rate plus a margin of 4.0%.

Other intercompany balances relate to recharges.

Trade receivables/payables relate to the sale and purchase of stock between the Company and its subsidiaries on arms length terms.

There have been no transactions in the year (2010: £nil) and there are no balances outstanding (2010: £nil) with the other subsidiary undertakings of the 
Company, as listed in note 37.

34. Contingent liabilities

The Company has provided the following guarantees:

•  

•  

•  

•  

•  

 Guarantee on the letter of credit facility in Focus Brands Limited. The contingent liability varies depending on the value of the letters of credit  
outstanding at any point in time, but the maximum exposure on this guarantee is £1,000,000 (2010: £1,000,000)

 Guarantees on the working capital facilities in both Topgrade Sportswear Limited and Nicholas Deakins Limited of £2,000,000 (2010: £2,000,000) and 
£600,000 (2010: £600,000) respectively

 Guarantee capped at £2,500,000 (2010: £2,500,000) in relation to the acquisition of Canterbury of New Zealand Limited under a kit supply and  
sponsorship agreement with the Scottish Rugby Union Plc, which was entered into in January 2010

 Guarantee on the working capital facilities in Chausport SA of €3,000,000 (2010: €nil)

 Guarantee on the letter of credit facility in Canterbury (North America) LLC. The contingent liability varies depending on the value of the letters of credit 
outstanding at any point in time, but the maximum exposure on this guarantee is $550,000 (2010: $nil)

35.  Subsequent events

Acquisition of Kukri Sports Limited 
On 7 February 2011, the Group acquired 80% of the issued share capital of Kukri Sports Limited for a cash consideration of £1. Kukri Sports Limited has a 
number of subsidiaries around the world, which source and provide bespoke sports teamwear to schools, universities and sports clubs. In addition, Kukri Sports 
Limited is sole kit supplier to a number of professional sports teams. For the year ended 30 April 2010, Kukri Sports Limited had a turnover of £12.9 million, an 
operating loss of £0.3 million, a loss before tax of £0.2 million and gross assets of £2.5 million. The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired is currently 
being determined.

Acquisition of additional shares in Focus Brands Limited 
On 16 February 2011, the Group acquired a further 31% of the issued share capital of Focus Brands Limited for a cash consideration of £1,000,000, with 
potential further deferred consideration of £250,000 depending on performance. The Group’s original share of 49% was acquired on 3 December 2007. Focus 
Brands Limited was originally incorporated in order to acquire Focus Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiary companies and was an entity jointly controlled by 
the Group and the former shareholders of Focus Group Holdings Limited. The additional shares purchased since the reporting date take the Group’s holding in 
Focus Brands Limited to 80%, thereby giving the Group control. Focus Brands Limited is now a subsidiary of the Group rather than a jointly-controlled entity. 

Acquisition of Champion Sports (Holdings) 
On 4 April 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Champion Sports (Holdings) for a cash consideration of €7 and have also advanced
€17.1 million to allow it to settle all of its indebtedness save for €2.5 million of leasing finance. Champion was founded in 1992 and is one of the leading retailers 
of sports apparel and footwear in the Republic of Ireland with 22 stores in premium locations in town centres and shopping centres. In addition, Champion has 
one store in Northern Ireland. For the year ended 31 December 2009, Champion had a turnover of €54.0 million, an operating loss of €1.8 million, a loss before 
tax of €4.9 million and gross assets of €36.2 million. The fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired is currently being determined. 

100

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

35.  Subsequent events (continued)

New committed bank facility
On 12 April 2011, the Group agreed a new syndicated committed £75,000,000 bank facility for 54 months to 11 October 2015.  The principal terms of this facility are:

• 

• 

• 

Current margin 1.25%

Arrangement fee 0.60%

Commitment fee 45% of applicable margin

The new facility encompasses cross guarantees between the Company, Bank Fashion Limited, RD Scott Limited, Topgrade Sportswear Limited, Nicholas 
Deakins Limited, Canterbury Limited, Canterbury of New Zealand Limited and Focus International Limited.

36.  Ultimate parent company

The Company is a subsidiary undertaking of Pentland Group Plc which is also the ultimate parent company. Pentland Group Plc is incorporated in England and Wales.

The largest group in which the results of the Company are consolidated is that headed by Pentland Group Plc. The results of Pentland Group Plc may be 
obtained from Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement and related notes. 
The total recognised income and expense for the parent included in these consolidated financial statements is £47,045,000 (2010: £41,314,000). The 
Consolidated Financial Statements of JD Sports Fashion Plc are available to the public and may be obtained from The Company Secretary, JD Sports Fashion 
Plc, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR or online at www.jdplc.com.

101

Notes to 
the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (continued)

37. Principal subsidiary undertakings and jointly controlled entities

The following companies were the principal subsidiary undertakings and jointly controlled entities of JD Sports Fashion Plc at 29 January 2011.

Place of
registration

Nature of business
and operation

Ownership
interest

Voting rights
interest

Name of subsidiary 

John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited 

JD Sports Limited* 

John David Sports Limited 

The John David Group Limited 

JD Sports Limited 

Athleisure Limited 

First Sport Limited* 

Allsports (Retail) Limited* 

Allsports.co.uk Limited* 

The Sports Shop (Fife) Limited* 

Jog Shop Limited* 

RD Scott Limited 

Bank Stores Holdings Limited 

Bank Stores Financing Limited* 

Bank Fashion Limited* 

Sonneti Fashions Limited* 

Hallco 1521 Limited 

Topgrade Sportswear Limited* 

Getthelabel.com Limited* 

Topgrade Trading Limited* 

Nicholas Deakins Limited 

JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS 

Chausport SA* 

Spodis SA* 

Kooga Rugby Limited 

Canterbury Limited 

Canterbury of New Zealand Limited* 

Ireland 

Ireland 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

France 

France 

France 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Retailer of sports inspired footwear and apparel 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Intermediate holding company 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 

Intermediate holding company 

Intermediate holding company 

Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 

Dormant 

Intermediate holding company 

Distributor and multichannel retailer of sports and fashion  
clothing and footwear 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Distributor of fashion footwear and clothing

Intermediate holding company 

Intermediate holding company 

Retailer of sports footwear and accessories 

Distributor of rugby clothing and accessories 

Intermediate holding company 

Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Canterbury International (Far East) Limited* 

Hong Kong 

Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Canterbury (North America) LLC* 

America 

Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Canterbury Cotton Oxford Limited* 

UK 

Dormant 

Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited* 

Australia 

Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Canterbury of New Zealand Limited* 

New Zealand  Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Canterbury European Fashionwear Limited* 

Duffer of St George Limited 

Open Fashion Limited 

Nanny State Limited 

Name of jointly controlled entity

Focus Brands Limited

Focus Group Holdings Limited* 

Focus International Limited* 

Focus Sports & Leisure International Limited* 

Focus Italy Srl* 

Focus Equipment Limited* 

*Indirect holding of the Company.

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK

UK

UK

UK

Italy 

UK

Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Licensor of a fashion brand 

Dormant 

Distributor of fashion footwear and apparel 

Intermediate holding company

Dormant

Distributor of sports clothing and footwear

Dormant

Dormant

Dormant

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

80%

80%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

51%

75%

100%

100%

100%

49%

49%

49%

49%

49%

49%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

80%

80%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

51%

75%

100%

100%

100%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

102

Five Year Record 
Consolidated Income Statement

52 weeks to
27 January 2007
£000

52 weeks to
2 February 2008
£000

52 weeks to
31 January 2009
£000

52 weeks to
30 January 2010
£000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Selling and distribution expenses - normal 

Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional 

 530,581 

(278,331)

 252,250 

(209,270)

(3,799)

 592,240 

(300,813)

 291,427 

(225,994)

(8,404)

 670,855 

(340,309)

 330,546 

(256,315)

(8,201)

 769,785 

(390,248)

 379,537 

(288,462)

(6,458)

 883,669 

(446,657)

 437,012 

(326,296)

(3,277)

Selling and distribution expenses 

(213,069)

(234,398)

(264,516)

(294,920)

(329,573)

Administrative expenses - normal 

Administrative expenses - exceptional 

(17,409)

(4,000)

(22,500)

 -   

(20,867)

(8,122)

(26,051)

 1,472 

(32,966)

(1,007)

Administrative expenses 

(21,409)

(22,500)

(28,989)

(24,579)

(33,973)

Other operating income 

 1,730 

 1,086 

 1,109 

 2,270 

 2,177 

Operating profit 

 19,502 

 35,615 

 38,150 

 62,308 

 75,643 

Before exceptional items 

Exceptional items 

 27,301 

(7,799)

 44,019 

(8,404)

 54,473 

(16,323)

 67,294 

(4,986)

 79,927 

(4,284)

Operating profit before financing and share  
of result of joint venture 

Share of results of joint venture before  
exceptional items (net of income tax) 

Share of exceptional items (net of income tax) 

Share of results of joint venture 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 

Income tax expense 

 19,502 

 35,615 

 38,150 

 62,308 

 75,643

 -   

 -   

 -   

 177 

(2,412)

 17,267 

(6,879)

(145)

 -   

(145)

 297 

(764)

 35,003 

(11,416)

(166)

 914 

 748 

 529 

(1,210)

 38,217 

(13,707)

 539 

(1,012)

(473)

 385 

(827)

 61,393 

(18,647)

 1,475 

 1,348 

 2,823 

 618 

(455)

 78,629 

(22,762)

Profit for the period 

 10,388 

 23,587 

 24,510 

 42,746 

 55,867 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Attributable to non-controlling interest 

 10,388 

 -   

 23,549 

 38 

 24,379 

 131 

 42,900 

(154)

 55,884 

(17)

Basic earnings per ordinary share

 21.52p

 48.79p

 50.49p

 88.16p

 114.84p

Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share (i) 

 36.41p

 57.05p

 72.33p

 93.64p

 116.86p

Dividends per ordinary share (ii) 

7.20p

8.50p

 12.00p

 18.00p

 23.00p

(i) Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share is based on earnings excluding the post-tax effect of certain exceptional items (see note 10).

(ii) Represents dividends declared for the year. Under IFRS dividends are only accrued when approved.

103

Financial Calendar

Final Results Announced

Final Dividend Record Date

Financial Statements Published

Annual General Meeting

Final Dividend Payable

Interim Results Announced

Period End (52 Weeks)

Final Results Announced

13 April 2011

6 May 2011

May 2011

23 June 2011

1 August 2011

September 2011

28 January 2012

April 2012

Shareholder Information

Registered office

JD Sports Fashion Plc

Hollinsbrook Way

Pilsworth

Bury BL9 8RR

Company number

Registered in England

and Wales,

Number 1888425

Financial advisers

and stockbrokers

Investec

2 Gresham Street

London EC2V 7QP

Financial public relations

MHP Communications

60 Great Portland Street

London W1W 7RT

Principal bankers

Barclays Bank Plc

43 High Street

Sutton

Surrey SM1 1DR

Registrars

Equiniti Limited

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex BN99 6DA

Solicitors

DLA Piper UK LLP

Princes Exchange

Princes Square

Leeds LS1 4BY

Auditor

KPMG Audit Plc

St James’ Square

Manchester M2 6DS

The Board wishes to express its thanks to the marketing and finance departments for the in-house production of this Annual Report and Accounts.

104