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JD Sports Fashion

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FY2012 Annual Report · JD Sports Fashion
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ANNUAL 
REPORT 
AND 
ACCOUNTS

2012

Contents

2 
Summary of Key 
Performance Indicators

53  
Consolidated  
Income Statement

 1

3 – 4  
The Group 
at a Glance

21 – 26  
Chairman's  
Statement

27 – 30  
Financial and  
Risk Review

31 – 33 
Property and  
Stores Review

34 – 37  
Corporate and  
Social Responsibility

38  
The  
Board

39 – 41 
Directors’  
Report

42 – 45  
Corporate  
Governance Report

46 – 50 
Directors’  
Remuneration Report

51  
Statement of  
Directors’ Responsibilities

52 
Independent  
Auditor’s Report

JD Sports Fashion Plc 
Hollinsbrook Way 
Pilsworth 
Bury  BL9 8RR

+44 (0)161 767 1000 
+44 (0)161 767 1001
www.jdplc.com

53  
Group and Company 
Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income

54 
Group and Company 
Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position

55  
Group and Company 
Consolidated Statement  
of Changes  
in Equity

56  
Group and Company 
Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

57 –101  
Notes to the  
Consolidated  
Financial Statements

102  
Five Year  
Record

103  
Financial  
Calendar

103  
Shareholder  
Information

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.kooga-rugby.com 
www.kukrisports.com 
www.nicholasdeakins.com
www.thedufferofstgeorge.com
www.cecilgee.com 
www.peterwerth.co.uk 
www.blacks.co.uk
www.millets.co.uk
www.varsitykit.com

Non trading websites
www.sprinter.es
www.footpatrol.co.uk

Contact

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Summary of Key  
Performance Indicators

Revenue 
Gross profit % 
Gross profit % in like for like businesses
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 the end of the year (ii)
Trading space at year end (excluding Blacks)  (sq ft '000)

52 weeks to 
28 January 2012
£000

52 weeks to  
29 January 2011
£000

 1,059,523 
49.2%
49.7%
 76,461 
 75,957 
(9,685)
 66,776 
 67,442 
 96.27p 
 105.89p 
 25.30p 
60,295
2,295

 883,669 
49.5%
49.5%
 79,927 
 81,565 
(4,284)
 75,643 
 78,629 
 114.84p 
 116.86p 
 23.00p  
86,140
1,501

 %  
Change

+19.9

-4.3
-6.9

-11.7
-14.2
-16.2
-9.4
+10.0

(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

Business 
Highlights

 Despite a loss of £2.2m from the newly acquired Blacks business, 
group profit before tax and exceptionals exceeded consensus 
market expectations.

A robust operating profit and gross margin performance was 
achieved given the well documented market headwinds and 
scale of investment activity undertaken in the year:

Significant investments give the Group the platform for 
future de velopment:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Acquisitions in Ireland (Champion Sports) and Spain (Sprinter) 
have continued the international expansion of the Sports 
Retail concepts. A further two JD stores have been opened in 
France during the year and the first JD 
store in Spain opened in late March 2012.

 Acquisition of brands and agreement for exclusive brand 
licences have continued.

 Additional personnel and associated costs in International 
Retail, Brands & Licensing and Multi-Channel development.

 New centralised warehouse for the Group’s UK retail 
operations to be fully operational by Summer 2012.

• 

• 

 Group gross margin decreased from 49.5% to 49.2% due 
to the impact of the acquired businesses. 

 Excluding the impact of these acquired businesses the margin 
in the like for like businesses increased by 
0.2% to 49.7%.

 Final dividend payable increased by 10% to 21.2p (2011: 19.2p) 
bringing the total dividends payable for the year to 25.30p (2011: 
23.00p) per ordinary share, an increase of 10%.

Net cash at year end was £60.3 million (2011: £86.1 million).

Revenue (£m)

Net cash (£m)

Profit before tax and  
exceptional items (£m)

592.2

670.9

769.8

883.7

1,059.5

11.7

23.5

60.5

86.1

60.3

43.4

53.6

67.4

81.6

76.0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

The Group  
at a Glance

 2/3

Established in 1981 with a single store in Bury, in the North West 
of England, JD Sports Fashion Plc is the leading retailer and 
distributor of branded sportswear and fashionwear.

Retail Fasicas
Following the recent acquisition of the trade and assets of the 
Blacks business, the Group now has over 900 stores across a 
number of retail fascias in four countries and is proud of the fact 
that it always 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 5 stores in France and more recently in Spain 
with the first store in Granada opened in March 2012.

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. 

Scotts delivers brand authority to an older, more affluent male 
consumer offering brands such as Fred Perry, Adidas Originals 
and Original Penguin, amongst others.

Bank is aimed at the young male and female, branded fashion-
conscious consumer selling fast fashion brands such as Superdry, 
Blonde & Blonde, Pauls Boutique, Lipsy and Jack & Jones as well 
as own brands such as Ribbon and Rivington. The Bank fascia 
continues to expand throughout the UK including a first store in 
Northern Ireland. Bank plans to open its first store in the 
Republic of Ireland during 2012.

Blacks was acquired in January 2012 and is a long established 
retailer of specialist outdoor footwear, apparel and equipment. 
In addition to selling international third party brands such as 
North Face and Berghaus, Blacks has two strong own brands in 
Peter Storm and Eurohike.

Premium branded fashion menswear is a new opportunity for 
the Group and our vision is to become the first choice retailer in 
the UK for this product. Our current stores offer customers a 
strong mix of brands including Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren Polo, 
Diesel and Stone Island.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

The Group  
at a Glance (continued)

Distribution Businesses
The Group also has a number of businesses which design and 
distribute team wear and fashion product.

Retail Fasicas (continued)

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 20 stores in premium locations in town centres and 
shopping centres.

Sprinter was acquired in June 2011 and is one of the leading 
sports retailers in Spain selling footwear, apparel, accessories 
and equipment for a wide range of sports as well as lifestyle 
casual wear and childrenswear. This offer includes both 
international sports brands and successful own brands. 

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

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 
and has recently secured the contract to be the official partner to 
the Rugby Football Union for the next four years including 
through the 2015 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 provides replica 
apparel and accessories for the Hong Kong 7's and 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. Nicholas Deakins supplies both group 
and external customers.

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

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The  
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Brand

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ONLY AT

Executive Chairman’s 
Statement

 20/21

Introduction
Following the acquisition of Blacks in January 2012, the Group 
now comprises four divisions being Sports Fascias, Fashion 
Fascias, Outdoor and Distribution. Our core business is retail and 
our other businesses largely support the retail proposition and 
offer benefits to the Group from a strategic standpoint.

During the period, we have invested significantly in brands, 
businesses, multi-channel and other infrastructure to strengthen 
the platform for future development of the Group. Beyond the 
UK we have also expanded by acquisition in Ireland and Spain 
and opened further JD stores in France. In addition, the first JD 
store in Spain was opened in Granada on 30 March 2012. 
International development will be a key foundation for our 
future and further investment in our infrastructure overhead 
will be required to deliver longer term sustained profitability 
from this activity.

Our new centralised warehouse in Kingsway, Rochdale is a 
further example of the investment that we have undertaken. 
This will be fully operational in Summer 2012 and we anticipate 
that almost all stock for the core UK Sports and Fashion retail 
fascias will be channelled through one warehouse, improving 
service to retail and reducing transportation time and costs.

In April 2011, we noted that the increased proportion of gross 
takings represented by VAT combined with increased commodity 
costs and low consumer confidence would inhibit potential 
earnings growth in the year just ended. Therefore, taking into 
account these factors and the scale of the investment activity in 
the year, it is pleasing to report that the final group profit before 
tax (adding back exceptional items) of £76.0 million (2011: £81.6 
million) exceeds the market expectations set at that time. Within 
the Group there have been positive results notably the 
contribution from our newly acquired Spanish retail business 
(Sprinter) which has contributed to a further enhancement in 
the overall performance from the Sports Fascias.

Group operating profit (adding back exceptional items and 

excluding share of results of joint venture) for the year was  
£76.5 million (2011: £79.9 million) and comprises a Sports Fascias 
profit of £74.3 million (2011: £73.3 million), a Fashion Fascias profit 
of £3.3 million (2011: £6.4 million), an Outdoor loss of £2.2 million 
(2011: £nil) and a Distribution profit of £1.1 million (2011: £0.2 million).

Net cash at the year end was £60.3 million, a decline of £25.8 

million reflecting both the level of acquisition activity and an 
increase in capital expenditure for the fit out of the Kingsway 
warehouse facility. However, the Group continues to generate 
significant amounts of cash at the operating level.

The ongoing strength of the Group’s Balance Sheet, together 
with confidence that the Group’s operations are fundamentally 
cash generative, mean that the Board is able to propose another 
significant rise in the level of the total dividend to shareholders 
with a final proposed dividend up 10% to 21.2p (2011: 19.2p).  
This brings the total dividends payable for the year to 25.3p  
(2011: 23.0p) and means that annual dividends payable have now 
risen by 198% over the last four years.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Acquisitions
We have been pleased with the early development of our JD 
business in France. This has given us the confidence to replicate 
this model in further territories. At the end of June 2011 we 
invested €12m (net of cash retained in the business) to acquire 
50.1% of the Sprinter business in Spain.  On acquisition, Sprinter 
had 47 stores primarily based in Andalucia and Levante. As with 
Chausport in 2009, we believe that we have acquired a business 
which can perform well in its own right, whilst also providing 
us with a management team and infrastructure to expand JD’s 
fascia into a new territory. We have subsequently opened our 
first JD store in Granada, Spain on 30 March 2012 and we 
anticipate further openings in 2012. In the seven months to 
January 2012 Sprinter contributed turnover of £51.7m and 
generated an operating profit of £4.7m, although this 
performance benefitted from not having to include the loss 
making opening period of the year in the post acquisition result.

In April 2011 we acquired Champion Sports (Holdings) 

(‘Champion’), for a nominal consideration, although we advanced 
€17.1 million to the business to allow it to settle all of its bank 
debt (at a substantial discount to the par value) save for 
€2.5 million of leasing finance. After closing three smaller loss 
making stores, Champion now has 20 stores which are all located 
in the Republic of Ireland giving the Group a significant market 
position throughout the whole of Ireland. The most significant 
returns from this acquisition will come when economic 
conditions improve in the Republic of Ireland. In the meantime, 
we are reviewing our strategic options with regards to store 
locations and fascias and are seeking to reduce the current level 
of certain store rents to a level which is more consistent with the 
revenues now being generated. We are also working to realise 
the savings from combining the operations of the two businesses 
where this is practical.

The acquisition of the trade and assets of Blacks for 

£20.0 million on 9 January 2012 was on the basis that the core 
Blacks business has similarities to JD with its premium branded 
offering complemented by a selection of relevant own brands. 
We believe that Blacks needs to concentrate on the traditional 
core strengths of its branded and own brand outdoor offer and 
re-establish its market-leading authority through a much 
reduced store base, a strong multi-channel offer and a more 
appropriate central cost structure.

The acquisition of the trade and assets of eight Cecil Gee 

stores, from Moss Bros Group Plc, in June 2011 for a consideration 
of £1.6 million provided the Group with a relatively low cost 
opportunity to develop a premium fashion fascia which can 
stock brands previously unavailable to the Group’s existing 
fascias. Post acquisition these stores delivered revenues of 
£6.0 million but made an operating loss of £0.6 million. 
We have subsequently closed two loss making stores and are 
looking at additional acquisition opportunities with the 
potential to provide critical mass in premium fashion.

The acquisition of the Fenchurch brand during the year 
combined with the agreement for exclusive licences for Fila 
and Diadora, are a further demonstration of our commitment 
to developing a unique and exclusive product offering for our 
retail customers.   

In the Distribution segment, we have further increased our 
general teamwear offering through the acquisition of 80% of the 
global Kukri business which provides bespoke teamwear 
primarily to schools, colleges and universities. We have also 
increased our shareholding in the Focus business by 31% to 80% 
thereby making it a subsidiary.

Sports Fascias
The Sports Fascias are JD, Size?, Chausport, Sprinter and 
Champion Sports.

The Sports Fascias’ total revenue (after elimination of 
inter-group sales) increased by 16.3% during the period to 
£774.6 million (2011: £665.9 million) with gross like for like sales 
growth of 0.3% (2011: +5.6%) in the core UK and Ireland sports 
fascia stores although on a net basis, excluding VAT, this 
represented a decline in these stores of 1.2% (2011: +3.8%). 

Gross margin achieved in the Sports Fascias decreased 

marginally to 50.8% (2011: 51.0%) driven by lower margins in the 
acquired Champion and Sprinter businesses. The margin in the 
like for like businesses rose to 51.5% which we consider to be a 
very robust performance given the increase in VAT and the 
impact of the rise in the cost of cotton.

Operating profit (before exceptional items) of the Sports 
Fascias increased by £1.0 million to £74.3 million (2011: £73.3 
million) after the absorption of incremental overhead in the 
year primarily from duplicate operating costs at Kingsway as we 
started paying rent on 1st March 2011 when we took possession 
of the facility. There were also incremental costs in the year from 
investment in resource in International Retail, Brands & 
Licensing and Multi-Channel development. Inevitably, there is 
lag between the investment in resource and the generation of 
results but we are confident that these investments will drive 
returns in future years.

The contribution from France increased to £1.3 million 
(2011: £0.5 million). This included an overall growth in like for 
like sales in the Chausport stores for the year of 2.2% which is 
a strong result given the prior year growth of 12.5%. We remain 
encouraged by the performance and potential of Chausport 
as a fascia in its own right. 

The newly acquired Sprinter business contributed an 
operating profit of £4.7 million for the seven months post 
acquisition which was ahead of our expectations.

We continue to invest in the store portfolio with 27 store 
openings and 21 refurbishments or conversions. These include 
4 new stores in France (including a new JD in Marseille), 3 new 
Sprinter stores, the conversion of an existing Chausport store in 
Amiens to JD and the refurbishment of the Champion store in 
Blanchardstown. 21 Sports Fascia stores were closed in the period 
including 3 smaller loss making Champion stores.

Fashion Fascias
The Fashion Fascias are Bank, Scotts and Cecil Gee.

The Fashion Fascias’ total revenue (after elimination of 
inter-group sales) increased by 13.2% during the period to 
£151.6 million (2011: £133.9 million) which includes £6.0 million 
from the Cecil Gee stores (7 months). Gross like for like sales grew 
by 2.2% (2011: +1.5%) being Bank +3.9% (2011: +1.2%) and Scotts 
-2.9% (2011: +2.1%). On a net basis, the like for like sales grew by 
0.1% (2011: -0.7%) being Bank +1.8% (2011: -0.9%) and Scotts -5.0% 
(2011: +0.0%). The performance of the Bank fascia was heavily 
influenced by significant growth in its online channel which, 
in a very competitive sector, is proving to be an effective method 
of making targeted promotions to customers.

Gross margin achieved in the Fashion Fascias has reduced 
from 49.0% to 48.5%. However, this includes a dilutive effect 
from clearing excess and fragmented stocks which we acquired 
with the Cecil Gee stores and excluding this acquisition the like 
for like margin was 48.7%. Given the VAT rate rise this is a robust 
performance for the segment as a whole.

 22/23

Distribution
The Distribution businesses delivered a small operating profit 
of £1.1 million (2011: £0.2 million) with good performances from 
Focus, Kukri, Canterbury and Nicholas Deakins offset by 
investment at Topgrade Wholesale to build Getthelabel.com 
and ongoing weak performance in Kooga.

Focus has been an 80% subsidiary of the Group since a 

controlling interest of the former joint venture was acquired in 
February 2011. Focus will continue to concentrate on the design, 
sourcing and distribution of footwear and apparel for own brand 
and under license brands for both group and external customers. 
Included within Focus’s stable of brands going forward is Peter 
Werth, which we acquired in the period for £0.4 million, and Fly 
53, which we acquired after the year end for £0.5 million. Focus 
contributed external revenues of £17.2 million and an operating 
profit (before exceptional items) of £1.4m in the period after the 
acquisition of the controlling interest.

Kukri has also been an 80% subsidiary of the Group since 

February 2011 with its global bespoke teamwear business 
contributing revenues of £16.1 million and an operating profit of 
£0.5 million. Kukri’s principal customers are schools, colleges and 
universities. Kukri also supply replica apparel and accessories for 
the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, which is one of the 
biggest events in the Sevens World Series.

Canterbury’s global rugby business had an encouraging year 

with a strong performance, principally in New Zealand and 
Australia, from sales associated with the Rugby World Cup. 
However, after a substantial rise in the losses in the US operation 
(largely fashionwear) to £1.1 million (2011: £0.3 million) and a 
smaller rise in the losses of the Canterbury European 
Fashionwear business to £0.8 million (2011: £0.6 million) the total 
operating profit for the Canterbury Group reduced to £0.4 million 
(2011: £1.1 million). We have decided to close the US business and 
have recognised a total of £1.6m costs associated with the closure 
within exceptional items. In future, the brand will operate in the 
US through licensing partners.

The Getthelabel.com online and catalogue business within 

Topgrade has now been trading for over two years. Sales 
increased by 58% compared to the prior year which was in line 
with the initial business plan. However, this required substantial 
investment in marketing and so consequently the losses with 
the online business widened by £0.5 million to £1.5 million 
(2011: £1.0 million). This is not unusual in this phase of the 
development of a young multi-channel business. However, 
we anticipate further significant growth this year and would 
anticipate that the losses in the online business will at least be 
substantially reduced. The wholesale operation within Topgrade 
had strong year with operating profits increasing by £0.6 million 
to £0.8 million (2011: £0.2 million) with good availability of 
clearance packages from the key brands.

Fashion Fascias (continued)
The Bank fascia sells largely branded fashion to both males and 
females, predominantly for the teenage to mid-twenties sector. 
In the year the store portfolio grew from 74 stores to 
80 stores, still based predominantly in the North and the 
Midlands. The loss of distribution of two key brands had a 
significant impact on the overall result with operating profit 
(before exceptional items) reduced by £2.1 million to £3.1 million 
(2011: £5.2 million). Bank needs to develop a greater level of 
exclusivity in its brand mix and our acquisition in the year of 
Fenchurch will help create that differentiated offer. The Board 
remains confident about the future prospects for the fascia.The 
Scotts fascia stores offer brand authority to older more affluent 
males. Two loss making stores were closed in the period with no 
new openings resulting in 35 stores at the year end, largely in the 
North and the Midlands. The operating profit (before exceptional 
items) in the year was £0.8 million 
(2011: £1.2 million). The premium fashion business (which 
incorporates Cecil Gee) is in the early stages of brand and 
fascia redevelopment.

Outdoor 
The acquisition of Blacks has created a new reporting segment 
for the Group in Outdoor Retail.

The Blacks business was in a very fractured state on 
acquisition. We inherited a limited and unbalanced stock 
position, with a particularly severe lack of stocks in many core 
high performing lines. The management team is investing a 
significant amount of time on developing relationships with the 
key brands and getting stocks flowing again. 

In the three weeks from acquisition to year end Blacks 
generated revenues of £5.9 million, but delivered an operating 
loss (excluding exceptional items) of £2.2 million for the period, 
which we attribute to the lack of stock in the business and the 
inheritance of an excessively large and overrented store portfolio 
as well as a disproportionate central cost base. 

Since acquisition we have closed 81 loss making Blacks stores 
leaving a current store base of 215 stores. Ultimately, determining 
the size of the long term store base will depend on store 
performance when set against newly negotiated rents and 
associated property costs. We are also evaluating the central 
overheads and rationalising where appropriate. We do not expect 
these savings to be wholly realised until Spring 2013 and so, 
whilst we expect a modest recovery in the second half, we now 
anticipate that Blacks will be earnings dilutive in the current year.

We have started the process of streamlining the business and 

included in exceptional items is a charge for £3.5 million for 
redundancies and other restructuring costs following the initial 
review of both the store portfolio and overhead cost base. This 
review process is ongoing and we would anticipate a further 
charge for restructuring costs in the year to January 2013.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Group Performance
Revenue

Total revenue increased by 19.9% in the year to £1,059.5 million 
(2011: £883.7 million) of which £139.3 million of sales were 
generated from businesses acquired in the year, principally 
from Sprinter (£51.7 million), Champion (£36.9 million), 
Focus (£17.2 million) and Kukri (£16.1 million).

Gross Margin 

Total Gross Margin fell from 49.5% to 49.2%. However, excluding 
the impact of the acquired businesses the margin in the like for 
like businesses increased by 0.2% to 49.7%. The margin achieved 
in the acquired businesses was 45.7%.

Operating profits

Operating profit (before exceptional items) decreased by 

£3.4 million to £76.5 million (2011: £79.9 million) which represents 
a Group operating margin (before exceptional items) of 
7.2% (2011: 9.0%). Operating costs increased to 42.0% of sales 
(2011: 40.5%) with operating expenses in the like for like 
businesses of 41.8% and operating expenses in the acquired 
businesses of 43.2%. Costs increased in the like for like 
businesses due to duplicate warehouse costs and investments 
in resource in International Retail, Brands & Licensing and 
Multi-Channel development.

Following an increase in the exceptional items to £9.7 million 

(2011: £4.3 million), Group operating profit decreased from 
£75.6 million to £66.8 million.

The exceptional items (excluding share of exceptional items 

in joint venture) comprise:

2012

2011

 £m

£m

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

1.2   

1.5

Impairment of fixed assets in loss 
making stores

Onerous store lease provision

1.5  

(0.2) 

-

1.8

Total property related exceptional costs

2.5 	

3.3

Reorganisation of warehouse operations (1)

Closure of Canterbury North America LLC (2)

Blacks restructuring (3)

3.0  

1.6  

3.5  

Total reorganisation and restructuring costs 	

8.1 	

Impairment of intangible assets (4)

Gain following acquisition of Focus Brands (5)

2.7  

(3.6) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

Impairment of investment property

-  

1.0

Total other exceptional (credits) / charges

(0.9)	

1.0

Total exceptional charge

9.7 	

4.3

 (1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

 Relates to the reorganisation of the current warehouse 
operations consisting of the provision for onerous property 
leases and redundancy costs.

 Relates to redundancies and other one off costs incurred 
in the closure of Canterbury North America. The charge 
includes £0.1m for the impairment of fixed assets.

 Relates to redundancy costs in stores, warehouse and 
central operations.

 The impairment of intangible assets relates to Kooga 
goodwill and brand name (£1.9 million) and Cecil Gee 
fascia name (£0.8 million).

 The gain on the disposal of the Focus joint venture arose 
from the remeasurement to fair value of the Group’s 
previously held investment in Focus Brands Limited.

Working capital and financing
The level of acquisition activity through the year together with 
the capital expenditure incurred on fitting out the Kingsway 
warehouse means that year end net cash decreased by £25.8 
million to £60.3 million (2011: £86.1 million) and the revolving 
credit facility has been used through most of the year. As a 
consequence, the Group had a net financing charge of £0.4 
million compared to net financing income in the prior year 
of £0.2 million.

The Group has a £75 million committed syndicated bank 
facility secured until 12 October 2015. This facility consists of 
a £60 million revolving credit facility with a margin of 1.25% 
over LIBOR together with a £15 million working capital facility.

Gross capital expenditure (excluding disposal costs) increased 
by £12.7 million to £45.7 million (2011: £33.0 million). This increase 
was a result of spend in the year of £19.4 million (2011: £3.9 
million) on fitting out Kingsway. This investment is now largely 
complete and testing of the sortation equipment has been 
ongoing for several weeks. We will start taking inbound 
deliveries into Kingsway from 23 April 2012 and anticipate that 
the full migration of activity will be complete by late June.

The investment in the retail fascias during the year decreased 
by £5.3 million to £20.1 million (2011: £25.4 million). This decrease 
was primarily focused in the core JD fascia where we opened 
19 stores (2011: 21 stores) and completed 11 major refurbishments 
(2011: 14 refurbishments). There was also a reduction in the 
number of new stores in Bank to 8 stores (2011: 13 stores). 
Even though we will not be incurring significant expenditure on 
the Kingsway warehouse, we anticipate that capital expenditure 
in the year to January 2013 will increase further to approximately 
£60 million as we look to accelerate the programme of JD store 
openings and refurbishments in France and Spain. In addition, 
we will also start a programme to replace the core ERP systems 
in the retail businesses. This programme of works will take 
approximately 3 years to complete. 

Working capital remains well controlled with suppliers 

continuing to be paid to agreed terms and settlement discounts 
taken whenever due. 

 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 24/25

Store Portfolio 
Although slightly lower than the prior year, we have still made a further significant investment in the store portfolio during the year, 
with expenditure on both new stores and refurbishments of existing space.

During the year, store numbers in the Sports and Fashion fascias moved as follows:

Store Portfolio

(No. Stores)

Start of year

New stores

Acquisitions

Transfers

Closures

Close of year

(000 Sq Ft)

Start of year

New stores

Acquisitions

Transfers

Closures

Remeasures

JD & Size

JD France

Chausport

Champion

Sprinter

351

19

-

-

(15)

355

3

1

-

1

-

5

73

4

-

(1)

(2)

74

-

-

23

-

(3)

20

-

3

47

-

(1)

49

JD & Size

JD France

Chausport

Champion

Sprinter

1,131

66

-

-

(24)

10

5

3

-

1

-

-

9

79

6

-

(1)

(2)

-

82

-

-

98

-

(6)

-

92

-

32

598

-

(27)

-

603

Sport

427

27

70

-

(21)

503

Sport

1,215

107

696

-

(59)

10

1,969

Close of year

1,183

Fashion Fascias                                                                                

(No. Stores)

Start of year

New stores

Acquisitions

Closures

Close of year

(000 Sq Ft)

Start of year

New stores

Acquisitions

Closures

Close of year

Bank

Scotts

Cecil Gee

Fashion

74

8

-

(2)

80

Bank

210

32

-

(4)

238

37

-

-

(2)

35

-

-

8

(2)

6

111

8

8

(6)

121

Scotts

Cecil Gee

Fashion

76

-

-

(4)

72

-

-

22

(6)

16

286

32

22

(14)

326

 
Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Dividends and Earnings per Share
The Board proposes paying a final dividend of 21.20p 
(2011: 19.20p) bringing the total dividend payable for the year 
to 25.30p (2011: 23.00p) per ordinary share. The proposed final 
dividend will be paid on 30 July 2012 to all shareholders on the 
register at 4 May 2012. The final dividend has been increased by 
10% with total dividends payable for the year increased by 10%. 
The dividend has therefore increased by 198% in 4 years.

The adjusted earnings per ordinary share before exceptional 

items were 105.89p (2011: 116.86p).

The basic earnings per ordinary share were 96.27p 

(2011: 114.84p).

Employees
In difficult trading conditions we are more reliant than ever on 
the skills and energy of our employees around the world to drive 
performance and the whole Board would like to thank them for 
their commitment. We remain totally committed to their 
training and career development and the ongoing development 
of the Group internationally should enhance their prospects.

Current Trading and Outlook
Whilst we expect some improvement in consumer confidence 
from the forthcoming international sporting events, we remain 
cautious for well reported reasons. Trading in the early part of 
the current financial year has been satisfactory in the core UK 
and Ireland fascias with net like for like sales for the 9 weeks to 
31 March 2012 of +1.2% (Sports Fascias +1.0%, Fashion Fascias 
+2.3%). Margins remain under pressure as consumers continue 
to be offer driven.

It is clear that the recently acquired Blacks business will be 
dilutive to earnings this year whilst we resolve the challenges 
across the business, particularly with regards to stock and 
property. We envisage that the majority of the earnings dilution 
will come in the first half of the year.

The Group is exceptionally well positioned with its retail 
proposition, financial resources and management experience to 
take advantage of any opportunities both in the UK and 
internationally. Whilst the Board recognises that current 
expansion activity is likely to impact returns in the short term, it 
remains confident that the Group is being positioned to deliver 
longer term earnings growth and increasing shareholder returns. 

A further update will be made in our Interim Management 

Statement no later than 15 June 2012.

Peter Cowgill
Executive Chairman
12 April 2012

 
Financial 
and Risk 
Review

 26/27

Introduction
Despite a loss of £2.2 million from the newly acquired Blacks 
business, Group profit before tax (adding back exceptional items) 
exceeded consensus market expectations at £76.0million (2011: 
£81.6 million) but nevertheless final group profit before tax after 
exceptionals decreased by £11.2 million to £67.4 million in the 
year primarily from an increase of £5.4m in the charge for 
exceptionals which included:

•    Recognition of a provision of £3.5m for the future onerous 

property costs at the Group’s existing warehouses  pending 
the full utilisation of the new facility at Kingsway in Rochdale 
during 2012

• 

• 

• 

 Impairment of the goodwill and brand name pertaining to the 
acquisitions of Kooga Rugby Limited and fascia name of the 
Cecil Gee business

 Costs for the closure of the loss making Canterbury business 
in North America

 Redundancy costs of £3.5m in stores, warehouse and central 
operations for the recently acquired Blacks business 

Taxation 
The effective rate of tax on profit has decreased by 2.1% to 26.8% 
primarily due to a decrease in the standard rate of corporation tax. 

Excluding both exceptional items and prior year adjustments, 

the effective core tax rate has decreased from 28.9% to 27.7%. 
This core effective tax rate continues to be above the standard 
rate due to the depreciation of non-current assets and the 
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 decreased by 16% from 114.84p 
to 96.27p. 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 decreased by 9.4% 
from 116.86p to 105.89p.

Dividends
A final cash dividend of 21.20p per share is proposed, which if 
approved, would represent an increase of 10% on the final 
dividend from the prior year. Added to the interim dividend of 
4.10p per share, this takes the full year dividend to 25.30p, which 
is an increase of 10% on the prior year. The full year dividend has 
therefore grown by 198% in 4 years. The dividend is covered 3.8 
times by basic earnings per share and 4.2 times by the adjusted 
earnings per share.

 
Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Net Cash and Treasury Facilities
The year end net cash position has decreased by £25.8 million to 
£60.3 million. Gross capital expenditure excluding disposal costs 
increased in the year by £12.7 million to £45.7 million including 
£19.4 million on fit out of the Kingsway warehouse. A further 
£41.4 million was spent on the acquisition of businesses in the 
year including repayment of legacy indebtedness.

In spite of the heavy level of capital expenditure and cost of 
acquisitions, the Group generates significant amounts of cash in 
its operations enabling the delivery of a further substantial 
enhancement in dividends to shareholders.

The working capital cycle means that the Group does use the 
£60m revolving credit facility and £15m working capital facility 
during the year although we continue to look for opportunities 
to reduce seasonal demand at the traditional quarter days by the 
negotiation of monthly rents as a standard term on all new leases. 

The existing facilities have been used to fund both the 
increased capital expenditure and investment activity in the 
year with no requirement for other Group facilities to be put 
in place. The Board believes  that the existing facilities are 
appropriate to the Group as they can be used to fund 
investments in the Group’s existing businesses and enable 
quick decision making on significant future investments whilst 
providing flexibility over the short term seasonal peaks in the 
working capital cycle.

Interest rate hedging has not been put in place on the current 

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 the inherent short term 
nature of both the revolving credit facility and working capital 
facility. This position is reviewed regularly, along with the level 
of facility required.

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 39 (2011: 33). 

Foreign Exchange Exposures
The Group’s principal foreign exchange exposure continues to be 
on the sourcing of own brand merchandise from either the Far 
East or Indian Sub-Continent 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 delivered to 
stores). 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. 

Following the Group’s recent acquisition of the trade and 
assets of the Blacks business, the Group’s forecast requirement 
for US Dollars in the period to January 2013 is now $107 million. 
Cover is in place for 2012 for $103 million meaning that the Group 
is currently exposed on exchange rate movements for $4 million 
of the current year’s estimated requirement. 

The Group is also exposed to the movement in the rate of the 
Euro from the sale of its UK sourced stocks to its subsidiaries in 
Europe. However, the Group has a natural hedge on this exposure 
as the Euros received for that stock are then reinvested back in 
those European subsidiaries to fund the development of both 
new stores and refurbishments. 

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. They are heavily dependent on the products and the 
brands themselves being desirable to the customer. Therefore, 
the Group needs all of its third party and own brands, including 
brands licensed exclusively to it, to maintain their design and 
marketing prominence to sustain that desirability. Further, the 
Group is also subject to the distribution policies operated by 
some third party brands.  

Ultimately, the Group 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 a 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. This may 
necessitate 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 than 
remote and makes a provision for the return of stores if this risk 
becomes probable. The Board reviews the list of assigned leases 
regularly and is comfortable that appropriate provisions  have 
been made where there is a probable risk of the store returning 
to the Group under privity of contract and that there are no 
further stores where there is a possible risk of the store returning.

Retail Specific (continued)

Warehouse operations

Distribution Specific

Credit risk

 28/29

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.

Indirect taxation

The Board are mindful of the fact that Governments across 
Europe are seeking to raise their tax yields to deal with their 
nation’s long term deficit. One way that a number of 
governments have done this is by increasing the rate of Value 
Added Tax. In regard to the Group’s current locations, there have 
been rises in the last 18 months in the UK, Republic of Ireland 
and Spain. The Board is conscious of potential future rises in 
Value Added Tax.

When Value Added Tax is raised part way through season 
then the Group’s businesses cannot pass the rise on as the price 
of the product is already known by the consumers in the relevant 
retail market. It is not always possible to pass on rises in new 
season product as to do so could make the product unattractive 
to the consumer and the Group’s retail businesses are mindful of 
the potential for ‘ticket shock’ where they are introduced to price 
points that they have not been used to seeing in a store. 
Wherever possible the Group’s businesses look to work with their 
respective suppliers on ensuring that the cost of the product is 
maintained at a level that makes it possible to achieve an 
appropriate margin. We are also investing additional time and 
effort in ensuring that markdown activity is reduced through 
strong and focused merchandising.

In the Group’s Distribution businesses the Board are mindful 

of the fact that they are acting as supplier and so face reverse 
pressure from their Retail customers.

Following the acquisition of First Sport in 2002, warehousing 
operations have been 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 has also invested a significant amount of time on 

developing a robust change management plan to reduce the 
execution risk associated with the transition from the current 
warehouses to the new facility and thereby ensure that there is 
no interruption to supply to stores. The warehouse at Peterlee 
will be handed back to the landlord on 30 June 2012 and the 
Board are confident that sufficient contingency has been built 
into the timing of the transition plan to ensure that this deadline 
will be met.

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.

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 has always been heavily reliant 
on a very limited number of key development staff. This risk has 
been mitigated by improving documentation of the system and 
increasing the development team. However, the Board are 
mindful that it is difficult to recruit people with the relevant 
technical knowledge of the language that the legacy system is 
written in and so is actively considering a number of third party 
enterprise systems.

The Board has decided to start a programme to replace the 

legacy enterprise system. However, whilst a move to a third 
party system would reduce the risks in the current system there 
would be significant execution risk during the migration work 
which will take a number of years to complete. Further, the 
introduction of a third party system will bring additional costs 
both in terms of the initial development and ongoing support.

Any long term interruption in the availability of the core 
enterprise system would have a significant impact on the retail 
businesses. The Group manages the hardware operations 
element of 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. 

Loss of business caused by terrorism, riots or natural disaster

The Group has insurance policies in place to cover the risk of 
stock loss, property expenditure and loss of trade in the event of 
a terrorism, riots or natural disaster. The standard cover for loss 
on trade is one year but some stores have extended periods of 
cover where a rebuild would take in excess of one year.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Reliance on non-UK manufacturers

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 23 on page 87.

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 23 on  
page 87.

Acquisitions in new geographical markets

The Group has expanded its international presence significantly 
recently. Wherever possible, this expansion is undertaken by way 
of acquisition of a local business where there is a strong local 
management team who are familiar with the market and 
country that they operate in. We look to incentivise the 
management team through an appropriate reward structure 
which compensates them at an appropriate level for the 
achievement of demanding yet realistic performance targets.

Brian Small 
Group Finance Director 
12 April 2012

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.

Costs

During the year the Group faced increased costs in both cotton, 
fuel and other energy with the cost of fuel in particular 
increasing further in the current year.

The price of cotton is monitored constantly by the Imports 
team with orders placed wherever possible at an opportune time 
and at fixed prices. A number of measures have been introduced 
in recent years to reduce the impact of fuel cost rises:

• 

 Appropriate software used to manage the distribution of 
product to stores so that vehicles are fuller and fewer vehicle 
journeys made

• 

 The Group’s distribution facilities have been designed to 
accommodate double decker trailers

•  Annual fixed price contracts agreed on electricity 

Intellectual property

The Group’s trademarks and other intellectual property 
rights are critical in maintaining the value of the Group’s own 
brands. Ensuring that the Group’s businesses can use these 
brands exclusively is critical in providing a point of 
differentiation to our 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.   

 
Property and  
Stores Review

 30/31

UK 
Our retail property strategy is to have modern, fashionable 
and attractively presented stores located in prime locations 
with strong footfall. We maintain our belief that the vibrant 
presentation of our stores increases the attractiveness and 
desirability of our product and provides our stores with a real 
point of difference. Consequently, we continue to invest heavily 
in the store portfolio both in terms of new stores and major 
refurbishments of existing space. 27 new stores opened in the 
period (19 Sports Fascia stores and 8 Fashion Fascia stores) with 
12 stores refurbished (11 Sports Fascia stores and 1 Fashion Fascia 
store). These refurbishments included 7 locations where we 
upsized by taking a neighbouring unit. We have also converted a 
former JD store in Leicester to the Size? fascia.

The 19 new Sports Fascia stores included 15 stores in new 
locations (including 2 Size? stores). Included within the new 
stores are stores at Birmingham and Liverpool airports. We are 
pleased with the development of our airports business which we 
expect to see some benefit from the Olympics. The new stores in 
the year also included a store in the new Stratford City 
development which we will use as the focal point for our 
Olympic product offering. 15 Sports Fascia stores were closed in 
the period. These closures included a number of secondary towns 
where there is simply insufficient footfall. We are mindful of 
retail occupancy levels in other locations and the negative 
impact this can have on footfall. At the end of the period we had 
a total of 347 stores which included 21 Size? stores.

The 8 new Fashion Fascias stores were all new Bank stores 
with 2 of the stores being replacements of existing space. When 
we acquired Bank in December 2007, the average store size was 
2,150 sqft which we always believed was too small to present a 
full product offer to both a male and female consumer. 
Consequently, we have looked for a larger retail footprint in new 
stores with 8 stores opened in the year all having in excess of 
2,500 sqft of retail space. The openings in the year included 
Bank’s first store in Northern Ireland and we are looking to 
follow this up in the new financial year with the first store in the 
Republic of Ireland. No new Scotts stores were opened in the year 
although we did refurbish one store. The results from this have 
been encouraging to date. 2 Bank stores and 2 Scotts stores closed 
in the period.

We have approximately 35 stores with lease expiries in the 
current financial year and any decision to extend an individual 
lease will need to take into account the prospects for retail 
occupancy in the town concerned, consumer footfall and the 
terms on offer.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Republic of Ireland 
Our acquisition of the Champion Sports business provided us 
with an extra 23 stores in the Republic of Ireland. 3 smaller and 
loss making stores have subsequently been closed so at the end 
of the period we had a total of 28 stores (20 Champion, 7 JD and 
1 Size). We believe the Group now has a satisfactory footprint 
in the market to exploit, particularly when economic 
conditions improve.

France
We acquired the Chausport business in France in May 2009 and 
late last year we opened our first JD stores in France in new 
locations in Evry and Lyon and by the conversion of the former 
Chausport store in the centre of Lille. The performance of this 
conversion has been pleasing with a sales growth in excess of 
50%. This positive performance has given us the confidence to 
trial another conversion. Accordingly, in Autumn 2011 we 
converted the Chausport store in Amiens to a JD and, to date, this 
has seen a similar sales uplift. In addition, we have also opened a 
JD in France’s second city, Marseille, which means that at the end 
of the period we had a total of 5 JD stores in France.

At this stage, all of the JD stores are learning exercises which 

help us understand the French market more and assist in 
planning the future store and product strategy for France. We 
will continue this learning exercise in the new financial year. We 
are looking to accelerate our openings of new locations for the JD 
fascia in France during the new financial year with up to 8 stores 
targeted to open including a number in malls around Paris. To 
date we have found it a little difficult finding suitable sites for JD 
in France as there is not the same availability of retail space as 
there is in the UK. We have therefore invested time at Board level 
in enhancing our relationships with the key landlords. We 
believe this has led to us being offered sites in some of the prime 
centres which previously we would not have been able to access.

It is still our belief that the JD fascia is best suited to the major 

metropolitan areas and Chausport is more suited to the smaller 
regional towns and centres. Therefore, given Chausport’s 
historical concentration in towns in Northern France, then there 
is a growth opportunity for Chausport in its own right. We have 
opened 4 Chausport stores in the period and refurbished a 
further 7 stores. As with the Bank fascia in the UK, we believe 
that Chausport need to increase the size of their stores if they are 
to present a comprehensive product offer to the consumers. 
The average size of the stores opened in the period was c2,000 
sqft compared to the Chausport average of c1,000 sqft. 
Investment in new stores and refurbishments for Chausport 
will continue at a similar level in the current year. 2 smaller 
Chausport stores were closed in the period.

Spain
Sprinter had 47 stores on acquisition, primarily located in the 
provinces of Andalucia and Levante with a minimal presence 
elsewhere in Spain. Sprinter has traditionally been located in 
out of town retail units either in individual units or as part of 
a larger retail park. Unlike JD, Sprinter has historically sold an 
element of technical sport equipment including running 
machines and bikes. Consequently, these stores need a greater 
amount of space and, on acquisition, the average size of a 
Sprinter store was c12,700 sqft.

In many locations, Sprinter has been the exclusive provider of 
technical sportswear and equipment. Sprinter’s limited presence 
outside of its heartland gives us confidence that there are many 
locations in Spain where Sprinter could target store openings. 
Indeed, of the 3 Sprinter stores that have opened post acquisition, 
one was in Galicia and one was in Extremadura and the 
performance of these stores since opening has reinforced our 
views on the potential of this business.

As with France, we have looked to develop strong 

relationships with the key landlords and, indeed, in many cases 
these key landlords have centres across much of Europe. We have 
therefore identified a number of suitable locations for JD in 
Spain with the first store having opened in Granada on 30th 
March 2012.

We anticipate further openings through 2012 and, as  

with France, we will target these openings in the key 
metropolitan areas.

Outdoor
The Outdoor portfolio has been reduced since acquisition 
from 296 stores to 215 stores but all leases are in the process of 
renegotiation and there will be some further reductions in store 
numbers where more attractive new terms cannot be achieved. 
We have sought to avoid having two Outdoor stores in close 
proximity and to eliminate significant loss makers in the 
closure programme.

Store Portfolio 
The store portfolio for the Group at 28 January 2012 and 29 January 2011 can be analysed as follows:

Sports Fascias

Country

UK

Fascia

JD

Size

Other

Total

Republic of Ireland

JD

Size

Champion

Total

France

JD

Chausport

Total

Spain

 Sprinter

No. Stores

‘000 sq ft

2012

325

21

1

347

7

1

20

28

5

74

79

49

2011

324

18

1

343

7

1

-

8

3

73

76

-

2012

1,129

32

1

1,162

20

1

92

113

9

 82

91

603

 32/33

2011

1,083

26

1

1,110

20

1

-

21

5

79

84

-

Sport Fascias Total

503

427

1,969

1,215

Fashion Fascias

UK

Fashion Fascias Total

Outdoor

Bank

Scotts

Cecil Gee

UK                     

Blacks*

Outdoor Total

Group Total

2012

80

35

6

121

2012

295

295

919

No. Stores

‘000 sq ft

2011

74

37

-

111

2012

238

72

16

326

No. Stores

‘000 sq ft

2011

-

2012

763

763

2011

210

76

-

286

2011

-

-

538

3,058

1,501

*A further 80 stores have been closed in the period since 28 January 2012.

 
Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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, both in the UK and wherever we operate. 
The Group employs large numbers of school leavers and 
university graduates and participates regularly in work 
experience schemes with schools and colleges.  

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 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:

No. of 
courses in 
a year

length of 
course

No. of 
people on 
each course

New Management  
induction
Training academy  

Junior Management 
Development
Various Management 
Development

19

5 days

3

12 weeks

60

22

4 hours

1 day

20

20

10

10

Chausport and Sprinter operate their own training programmes. 
However, the managers and assistant managers of the JD stores 
in France and Spain 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, 
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’. 

 34/35

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. This policy applies to the acquired businesses where 
we work closely with the local management after acquisition to 
identify gaps and implement group strategies. 

The Group maintains a Carbon Management Programme 
(‘CMP’) which is sponsored by the Group Finance Director and is 
reviewed regularly.  Our objectives are to:

• 

• 

 Work with our energy suppliers to ensure that bills reflect 
actual usage

 Understand the drivers and timing of usage by continued 
investment in energy ‘smart’ meters. This has been achieved 
in over 350 of the Group’s sites with further rollout planned. 
Combined with the stores where accurate and timely usage 
data is already received from mandatory half hourly meters, 
this means that in excess of 92% of the UK and Republic of 
Ireland electricity consumption and 81% of gas consumption 
is automatically measured every 30 minutes. In addition to 
accurate billing for these sites, analysis of the data has also 
shown that usage in non-trading periods can be reduced. This 
is being done through additional training and investment in 
small scale building management systems where appropriate

• 

 Enhance staff awareness through training at store level, 
thereby ensuring that our retail staff understand they have a 
key role in the CMP.  This training is expanding across our 
acquired businesses as part of the Group’s standard 
training programme

• 

 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 UK Environment Agency is aggregated with 
that of Pentland Group Plc who are the Group’s ultimate holding 
company (see note 35). The Group continues to work closely with 
Pentland Group Plc on ensuring an efficient process with regards 
to the emissions trading scheme which was introduced in April 
2010, as part of the CRC.  Pentland Group Plc was placed in the 
upper half of the first Participant League Table compiled by the 
UK Environment Agency.  

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 of the business to each employee 
and this is cascaded down.

Occupation of a new distribution centre has lead to the 
strengthening of our health and safety team ensuring safe 
procedures are established and managed from the outset in 
what is a very large and complex operation.

The team has continued to develop 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, which is chaired by the 
Group Finance Director, 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.

Environmental
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 

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Environmental (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’s like for like businesses increased 
their recycling of cardboard to 465 tonnes (2011: 423.3 tonnes).

The Group has expanded its recycling opportunities by using 

a Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) scheme to divert waste from 
landfill. Recycling remains split into five 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 566 trees (2011: 1,211 trees).  This reduction reflects 
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

 Food waste is separated where possible and reused in the 
production of compost 

Following the continued success of our use of the DMR 
scheme, we have trialed its use in a small number of JD Sports 
stores in 2011.  The scheme has also proved successful at our 
stores and we will now expand its use, where possible, across all 
our businesses in the UK & Ireland to divert as much waste as 
possible away from landfill.  This approach is being applied at 
our new Kingsway Distribution Facility with the aim of this 
being zero waste to landfill when it is fully operational later in 
2012.

Plastic bags

Approximately 35% of the bags issued by the Group like for like 
businesses 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

• 

 The bags contain an oxo-biodegradable additive, which means 
that they degrade totally over a relatively short life span

The Group uses paper-based bags rather than plastic bags in 

its stores in the Republic of Ireland and we are also fully 
compliant with the new carrier bag charge scheme introduced 
this year by the Welsh Assembly.  

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 2011 
data has been updated to reflect store openings and disposals in 
the current year:

2012

2011

% 
change

Energy Usage -  
Electricity (MWh)
Energy Usage -  
Natural Gas (MWh)

52,290

54,829

3,698

4,122

Total Energy Use

56,257

58,950

Carbon Footprint (Tonnes CO2)

28,833

30,226

-5

-4

-5

-5

The Group has pledged to reduce its combined energy usage 
in its like for like businesses from these levels by 3% year on year 
on a 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 28 

January 2012 in replacing inefficient air conditioning systems in 
its businesses. A further 29 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 2 February 2013.  In addition, after trialing the use of lower 
watt lamps for retail lighting in the UK last year, the Group has 
now adopted these lamps as standard in our retail businesses 
across Europe.  These lamps reduce 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 
2 February 2013:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Expand the CMP to widen the awareness campaign, through 
better training, improved communication and reporting 
across like for like and acquired businesses

 Continue the use of LED lighting for accent lighting.  We will 
also trial its use as a retail lighting source to further reduce 
energy consumption and heat gain in the retail environment   

 Increase analysis and reporting of data provided by the 
introduction of energy ‘smart’ meters across all acquired 
businesses where this is possible

 Continue the use of building management systems to allow 
remote monitoring and control of building services, and 
expand its use in acquired businesses

The Group is also aware of the need to purchase energy 
competitively from sustainable sources wherever possible. 
The Group has expanded its supply contract with Airtricity in 
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to supply JD Sports, 
Size? and Champion Sports with 100% renewable electricity. The 
Company has also agreed a contract with British Gas in the UK 
(except Northern Ireland) to supply electricity from renewable 
sources. This means that JD Sports, Size?, Bank, Scotts and 
Champion Sports now get 100% (2011:70%) of their electricity 
from sustainable sources.  We will migrate the acquired 
businesses to these contracts as soon as we are able.

Retail and Distribution 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 and any areas of 
concern with regard to potential non-compliance are 
investigated when visiting the factories concerned. 

Also during the period to 28 January 2012 the Group has 

engaged the services of Sercura to complete an audit and 
compliance programme of the Group’s current suppliers to the 
ETI Base Code standard. Sercura is a global quality and 
compliance solutions provider which performs factory audits. 
In the period to 2 February 2013, 70% of the supplier base will be 
visited and audited with the results reported to the Group 
Sourcing and Supply Chain Manager.

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 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’.

 36/37

Community Engagement
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 is pleased to report a three year 
commitment to The Christie Hospital to help raise £500,000 
for the teenage cancer unit. The fundraising begins with Team 
JD running the BUPA Great Manchester Run in May 2012

 JD Sports Fashion Plc is sponsoring 60 children at the Udavum 
Karangal orphanage in Coimbatore, India. In the year to 
January 2012 donations of £5,000 were made to the 
orphanage as well as donations of t shirts, water bottles, 
footballs and caps

 Donation to the Christchurch Earthquake appeal by 
Canterbury of New Zealand Limited (NZ) and Canterbury 
Limited (UK) totalling £18,000. 

 Donations by Champion Sports to Temple Street Children’s 
University Hospital of £14,000  to fund the purchase of 
medical equipment, fund research and develop new treatment 
facilities

 Donations by JD Sports Fashion Plc to The Marina Dalglish 
Appeal of £4,000 to improve cancer treatment facilities 
in Liverpool

 A charity 'Barn Fest' was held by Kukri GB Limited in 
September 2011 which raised £1,800 for The Good Life 
Orphanage, Derian House Hospice, Clatterbridge Cancer 
Centre and Alder Hey Imagine Appeal

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.

Our experience to date is that the businesses which we 
have acquired generally operate to standards similar to those 
of existing Group companies and so little action has been 
necessary to bring them up to the required level. 

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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

The Board

Peter Cowgill

Executive Chairman and 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee  
aged 59

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 50

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 55

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 70

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 49

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 65

Andrew was appointed to the Board in May 2010. He has over 
40 years of experience in the retail, footwear and apparel sectors. 
He was an Executive Board Director of Pentland Brands 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.

Directors’  
Report

 38/39

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 28 January 2012. 

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 in the following 
sections of this Annual Report:

•  Summary of Key Performance Indicators (page 2)

•  Chairman’s Statement (pages 21 to 26)

•  Financial and Risk Review (pages 27 to 30)

•  Property and Stores Review (page 31 to 33)

•  Corporate and Social Responsibility (pages 34 to 37)

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 42 to 45) and the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report (pages 46 to 50) are incorporated 
by reference into, and are deemed to form part of, this report. 

Business Strategy and Objectives
The Group aims to sustain its position as the UK’s leading 
retailer of branded sportswear and fashionwear. This 
will be achieved through a strong differentiated product 
offering combining branded and own brand product 
presented in modern, fashionable and attractively presented 
stores located in prime locations with strong footfall.  

The Group also intends to further enhance its UK and 

international retail presence through organic growth 
and acquisitions, where suitable opportunities arise, as 
well as by investing in its current retail portfolio.

Our ultimate objective is to deliver longer term earnings 

growth and increasing shareholder returns.

In working towards our objectives, we aim to act in a 

responsible manner in our dealings with our key stakeholders 
including our employees, customers and suppliers. 

Share Capital
As at 28 January 2012 the Company’s authorised share capital 
was £3,107,500 divided into 62,150,000 ordinary shares of 5p 
each. As at 28 January 2012 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. 

 
Directors
The names and roles of the current Directors together with brief 
biographical details are given on page 38. 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. 

However in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code the Board has determined that all Directors will stand for 
re-election at the 2012 AGM.

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
In the event of a change of control of the Company, the Company 
and the lenders of the £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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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 2011 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 28 January 2012 
and their connected persons in the Company’s ordinary shares 
are shown below:

P Cowgill
B Bown
B Small
C Archer

Ordinary shares of 5p each
30 January
2010

29 January
2011

410,263
5,676
23,950
22,621

410,263
5,676
21,750
19,121

462,510

456,810

There has been no change in the interests of the Directors or 
their connected persons between 28 January 2012 and the date 
of this report.

Substantial Interests in Share Capital
As at 28 January 2012 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 
of the Financial Services Authority ('DTRs'):

Number of  
ordinary  
shares/voting 
rights held

% of ordinary 
share capital

Pentland Group plc
Sports World International Ltd
Aberforth Partners LLP*

27,963,722
5,775,255
4,351,898

57.47 
11.87
8.94

*Aberforth Partners LLP have a further non-voting holding of 
1,953,900 ordinary shares.

Since 28 January 2012 and the date of this report the Company 

has been notified that the number of ordinary shares/voting 
rights held by Aberforth Partners LLP is 4,270,898 (being 8.78% of 
the Company's ordinary share capital) and that the non-voting 
holding of Aberforth Partners LLP is 1,974,900.

Save as above, the Company has not been notified of any 
change in interests pursuant to the DTRs between 28 January 
2012 and the date of this report.

 
 40/41

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

• 

• 

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

 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

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Notice of the Company’s AGM to be held at 12 noon on 20 June 
2012 at Edinburgh House, 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. 

By order of the Board 

Jane Brisley 
Company Secretary 
12 April 2012

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. 

The Group’s employee remuneration strategy is set out in 

the Remuneration Report on pages 46 to 50. 

The Group is committed to promote equal opportunities in 
employment regardless of employees’ or potential employees’ 
sex, marital status, 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. 

Donations
During the financial year ended 28 January 2012 the Group did 
not make any political donations (2011: £nil) and made charitable 
donations of £61,000 (2011: £39,000). See page 37 in the Corporate 
and Social Responsibility report for the breakdown of which 
charities these donations were predominantly made to. 

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

•  A gree 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 39 (2011: 33). 

The Group does not follow any code or statement on 

payment practice. 

Auditor
KPMG Audit Plc have indicated their willingness to continue in 
office as auditors of the Company. A resolution proposing their 
re-appointment will be proposed to shareholders at the 
forthcoming AGM. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Corporate  
Governance Report

UK Corporate Governance 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 UK Corporate Governance Code 
published by the Financial Reporting Council in June 2010 
(‘the 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 38. 

Composition of the Board is kept under review and changes 

are made when appropriate and in the best interests of the 
Group.  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. 

All three Non-Executive Directors are considered to be 

independent by the Board. Colin Archer has served on the Board 
for more than ten years, having been appointed on 6 November 
2001.  Chris Bird was appointed to the Board on 1 May 2003 and 
so will have served for more than nine years as at the date of the 
Company’s forthcoming AGM.  The Board considers both 
Mr Archer and Mr Bird to be independent for the purposes of the 
Code as, in the Board’s view, they continue to be independent in 
character and judgment notwithstanding their length of service.  
Andrew Leslie was appointed to the Board in May 2010 and is 
considered to be independent by the Board for the purposes of 
the Code.  Mr Leslie was formerly an executive director of 
Pentland, the Company’s largest shareholder.  Mr Leslie does not 
represent the interests of Pentland on the Board and retired from 
Pentland in 2008.  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 38 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. 

Under the Company’s Articles of Association, all Directors are 
required to retire and offer themselves for re-election every three 
years.  However, in accordance with the Code, the Board has 
agreed that all Directors will retire and offer themselves for 
re-election at the 2012 AGM.

 42/43

Board operation

Attendance at Board and Committee meetings

The Board is responsible for the direction, management and 
performance of the Company. The Board held nine scheduled 
meetings during the year under review and ad hoc meetings 
were held between scheduled meetings where required.  
Directors’ attendance at scheduled Board and Committee 
meetings is set out in the table beyond. The Board is responsible 
for providing effective leadership and promoting the 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. 

Board
Meetings

Remuneration
Committee

Audit
Committee

Nomination
Committee

Number of 
meetings
in year

P Cowgill
B Bown
B Small
C Archer
C Bird
A Leslie

9

9
8
8
9
9
9

3

1
-
1
3
3 
-

3

2
-
2
3
3
-

0

-
-
-
-
-
-

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

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.

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.  

All newly appointed Directors receive a tailored induction 
when they join the Board.  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 Board 
considered an internal evaluation exercise to be appropriate but 
will consider on an annual basis the value and appropriateness 
of an externally facilitated evaluation exercise.   

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.

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 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’s activities included:

• 

• 

• 

 Reviewing the Group’s draft financial statements and 
interim results statement prior to Board approval and 
reviewing the external auditor’s detailed reports thereon 
including internal controls

 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 the independence of the Group’s external auditor. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Board Committees (continued)

Audit Committee (continued)

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.  
These arrangements were reviewed during the year and 
deemed by the Committee to be appropriate. 

A breakdown of the audit and non-audit related fees is set out 

in note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 65.  
Non-audit work was comprised mainly of tax and project work 
in relation to the Company’s acquisitions and was undertaken by 
the external auditor due to their knowledge and understanding 
of the Group’s business and in the interests of efficiency.  
The Company has instructed other firms to provide non-audit 
services from time to time in prior years and the Audit 
Committee will keep the level of non-audit work performed by 
the auditor under review.  The Audit Committee is satisfied that 
the level and scope of non-audit services performed by the 
external auditor does not impact their independence. 

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.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee currently comprises 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 twice during the year.  Details of 

attendance at Remuneration Committee meetings are set out in 
the table on page 43.

Further details about Directors’ remuneration are set out in 

the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 46 to 50.

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee currently comprises the Executive 
Chairman and 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 senior 
management and, where necessary, consider new appointments 
to the Board and senior management.  From time to time the full 
Board performs some of the duties of the Nomination Committee.

The Nomination Committee did not meet during the year. 
No appointments to the Board were made during the year.  The 
Board as a whole considered recent developments on the issue of 
diversity on boards in general.  The Board confirms that 
diversity will be considered, including gender diversity, when 
changes to the Board’s composition are considered.  The Board’s 
overriding aim is to make appointments based on merit  
gainst objective criteria.

Internal Control
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:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 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

 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 comprehensive 
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 control 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 control 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. 

During the year under review the Company appointed a 
suitably qualified and experienced internal auditor who will 
report to the Audit Committee on a regular basis.  In addition, 
the Company has an experienced Loss Control team whose main 
focus is on security and minimization of unauthorized losses in 
the business.  The Loss Control Director reports to the Board on 
a quarterly basis. 

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

 44/45

Shareholder Relations
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.

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 Code
The Directors consider that during the year under review and to the 
date of this report, the Company complied with the Code except in 
relation to the following:

• 

 Code provisions C.3.1 and D.2.1 – during the year under review the 
Company did not comply with Code provisions C.3.1 and D.2.1, 
which require there to be three independent non-executive 
directors on the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee 
respectively.  Each such Committee was comprised of two 
independent non-executive directors.  The Board will keep 
Committee composition under review.

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

Jane Brisley 
Company Secretary 
12 April 2012

 
Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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’). It has been prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006.  The  content of the 
Report under the section headed ‘Audited Information’ has been 
audited by the Group’s auditor, KPMG Audit Plc. 

The Board have reviewed the Group’s compliance with the UK 

Corporate Governance Code (June 2010) (‘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 except for Code provision D.2.1 relating to 
composition of the Remuneration Committee.  Please refer to the 
section ‘Compliance with the Code’ on page 45 of this
Annual Report.

The Report will be subject to an advisory shareholder vote at 

the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) on 20 June 2012.

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 twice during the year under review 

with each member attending all the meetings.  Details of 
attendance at the Committee meetings are set out on page 43.  

 
 46/47

In the view of the Committee the salary of Mr Small no longer 

reflected the steady increases in his responsibilities which in 
addition to those expected of a Finance Director include amongst 
others warehousing and distribution, multichannel, human 
resources and information technology. 

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 and a bonus level of 120% 
of basic salary was paid but bonuses paid in the current year 
were reduced to 75% of basic salary. 

Special retention scheme

At the 2011 AGM, the Board proposed a special retention scheme 
(the '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 Scheme was approved by 
shareholders at the 2011 AGM.

The Scheme provides for Mr Cowgill to receive a cash award at 

a certain date in the future.  The table below sets out further 
details of the Scheme.  The final value of the Scheme is subject to 
the Group achieving certain profits before tax and exceptional 
items ('Adjusted Profits').  The Scheme is to be satisfied by a cash 
payment to Mr Cowgill.

The Scheme is divided into three 'tranches' relating to three 

accounting periods of the Group as set out below 
('Award Tranches').  Each Award Tranche has a maximum value, 
which will be paid out if the Adjusted Profits target for the 
relevant accounting period is met.  If the Adjusted Profits target 
is not met for any particular accounting period, the value of the 
relevant Award Tranche will be reduced pro-rata according to the 
actual profits before tax and exceptional items of the Group.  
If the Adjusted Profits are less than an agreed figure 
(the 'Minimum Adjusted Profits' as set out in the table), 
the Award Tranche will lapse and no cash payment will be 
made to Mr Cowgill.

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

Components of Remuneration
The main components of the current remuneration package are:

Base salary

The policy of the Committee is to set base salaries for the 
Executive Directors around the median or lower quartile when 
compared to UK quoted retailers with similar corporate 
attributes to those of the Group. However, the following factors 
are taken into account when determining specific base salary 
levels:

•  Remuneration levels at comparable UK retail companies

•  The need for salaries to be competitive

• 

 The performance of the individual Executive Director and 
their contribution to 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 
did not exercise this discretion during the year to 
28 January 2012.  

The Committee have determined that salaries for the 
Executive Directors should be increased (effective from 
1 April 2012) as follows:

Executive  
Director

Previous 
Salary 
£000

New 
Salary 
£000

Percentage 
Increase

Position 
Against 
Comparator
Group

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

700

310

205

718

318

240

2.5%

2.5%

17.1%

Upper 
Quartile
Lower 
Quartile
Lower 
Quartile

 
 
Annual Report & Accounts 2012

Accounting period

Maximum value 
of Award (£)

Adjusted Profits target to achieve 
maximum Award 

Minimum Adjusted Profits target to 
achieve 40% of maximum Award 

52 weeks to 28 January 2012

900,000

£74 million

£70 million

53 weeks to 2 February 2013

900,000

52 weeks to 1 February 2014

 1.7m

£74 million 
The targets for the 53 weeks to 
2 February 2013 were set subject to 
adjustment within the Committee's 
discretion to take account of the 
impact of the Blacks acquisition.

£70 million
The targets for the 53 weeks to 
2 February 2013 were set subject to 
adjustment within the Committee's 
discretion to take account of the 
impact of the Blacks acquisition.

To be determined by the Company's 
remuneration committee prior to or on 
the start of accounting period

To be determined by the Company's 
remuneration committee prior to or 
on the start of accounting period

As an alternative, the Company may choose to determine the 

amount due under any Award Tranche by reference to the 
performance of the Company against such comparator group or 
other performance condition(s) or criteria as the Committee, in 
its discretion, considers appropriate. 

Although the amount of cash to be awarded will be calculated 

at three different times, the cash payments will not be made to 
Mr Cowgill until after the Committee has met to confirm the 
final amount due to Mr Cowgill under the Scheme, which will be 
after the announcement of the Company's results for the 
accounting period ending 1 February 2014.  If Mr Cowgill leaves 
his employment with the Company before the start of any 
accounting period, he will not be entitled to any part of the 
award for that accounting period or any subsequent accounting 
period.  If Mr Cowgill leaves his employment with the Company 
after the start of any accounting period in circumstances where 
he is a 'good leaver', he will be entitled to a pro-rata amount  of 
the Award Tranche for the accounting period in which he leaves 
and full payment in respect of any accounting period which has 
finished. The Committee may, at its discretion, decide to allow 
the Award Tranche to vest in full in respect of the accounting 
period in which Mr Cowgill leaves his employment with the 
Company. In either case, the cash payment will only be made to 
Mr Cowgill on the usual date, unless the Committee decides 
otherwise. 'Good leaver' grounds include ill-health or retirement 
and are further defined in the Scheme agreement.

On a takeover or change of control (or similar sale of the 
Company), Mr Cowgill will be entitled to a pro rata amount of 
the Award Tranche for the accounting period in which the 
change of control event occurs and  full payment of the Award 
Tranche in respect of any accounting period which has finished. 
Again, the Committee may, at its discretion, decide to allow the 
Award Tranche to vest in full in respect of the accounting period 
current at the time of such takeover or change of control (or 
similar sale of the Company). The payment will be made on the 
usual date unless the Committee decides otherwise.

None of the benefits which may be received under the Scheme 

will be pensionable.

The Adjusted Profits target for the 52 weeks to 28 January 
2012 was met and so the first Award Tranche of £900,000 as 
set out in the above table has vested and has been recognised 
in the Consolidated Income Statement for the 52 weeks to 
28 January 2012.

Cash based long term incentive plan
In 2010, the Committee proposed the introduction of a cash 
based Long Term Incentive Plan (‘2010 LTIP’) in order to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Provide the Committee with the necessary mechanism with 
which to retain the Executive Directors who are critical to 
driving shareholder value

 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

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

 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 2010 LTIP was subsequently approved by shareholders at 
the Annual General Meeting held on 9 June 2010 and consists of 
one award that will pay out in cash after three years, 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 2010 LTIP:

Performance To

Amount Payable:

P Cowgill
B Bown
B Small 
Other Key Executives

2 February 2013
£000

500
437
313
2,750
4,000

 
 
 48/49

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 2012 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 28 January 2012, 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 £72,500 (2011: £372,000) in respect 
of these offices.

Non-Executive Directorships
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 50. 

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.

An amount of £1,333,000 has been recognised in the 

Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 28 January 
2012 (2011: £2,250,000) being one-third of the 2010 LTIP payable 
(2011: one-third of the 2010 LTIP payable in addition to one-third 
of the 2nd award of the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan payable). 
These amounts are consistent with the vesting profile of the 
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
Details of the contracts currently in place for Executive Directors 
are as follows:

Date Of 
Contract

Notice 
Period 
(Months)

Unexpired Term

P Cowgill

B Bown

B Small

16 March 
2004

20 February 
2009

10 March 
2004

12

12

12

Rolling 12 months

Rolling 12 months

Rolling 12 months

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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 2007 by taking the percentage change of the market 

price over the relevant period, re-investing any dividends at the ex-dividend rate.

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

31/01/2007 31/01/2008 31/01/2009 31/01/2010 31/01/2011 31/01/2012

JD Sports Fashion Plc ------

FTSE All Share General Retailers Index ----------

AUDITED INFORMATION

Individual Directors’ Emoluments
Directors’ salaries and benefits charged in the period to 28 January 2012 are set out below together with comparatives for the period to 
29 January 2011.

Salary and
Fees
£000

Benefits
Excluding
Pensions
£000

Annual  
Performance
Related Bonus
£000

P Cowgill 

B Bown

B Small

C Archer

C Bird

A Leslie

700

310

204

39

30

30

1,313

1

1

18

-

-

-

20

2012 Total
£000

2011 Total
£000

1,226

1,493

543

376

39

30

30

663

454

39

29

22

525

232

154

-

-

-

911

2,244

2,700

2012 
Pension
Costs
£000

2011 
Pension
Costs
£000

-

25

24

-

-

-

49

-

24

23

-

-

-

47

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

Cash Based long Term Incentive Plan
In addition, the following amounts have been provided in the period ended 28 January 2012 in respect of the Long Term Incentive Plans. 
The amounts recognised comprise one third of the 2010 LTIP based on Group performance in the second 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

2012

£000
167
146
104

417

2011

£000
317
277
177

771

Special Retention Scheme
In the period ended 28 January 2012 in respect of the Special Retention Scheme  £900,000 has also been recognised in the consolidated  
income statement.

Colin Archer
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
12 April 2012

 50/51

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:

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also 

responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report, Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Report that 
complies 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 38 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

•    Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently

By order of the Board

•    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.

Brian Small
Group Finance Director
12 April 2012

Annual Report & Accounts 2012

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 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012, 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 57-105. 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 51, 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 and 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 
28 January 2012 and of the Group's and the Parent Company’s 
profit for the 52 week period 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 or

 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 or

 Certain disclosures of Directors' remuneration specified by law 
are not made or

 We have not received all the information and explanations we 
require for our audit or

 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 41, in relation to 
going concern

 The part of the Corporate Governance Report relating to the 
Company's compliance with the nine provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance 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
12 April 2012

 52/53

Consolidated 
Income Statement

For the 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012

52 weeks to
28 January 2012
£000

52 weeks to
28 January 2012
£000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

Note

(403,923)
(10,532)

(43,193)
 847 

 1,059,523 
(538,676)

 520,847 

(414,455)

(42,346)
 2,730 

 66,776 

 76,461 
(9,685)

 66,776 

(102)
 1,170 

 1,068 
 646 
(1,048)

 67,442 
(18,093)

 49,349 

 46,847 
 2,502 

 96.27p 

 96.27p 

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  

 4 

 4 

 4 

 17 
 17 

 17 
 7 
 8 

 3 
 9 

 10 

 10 

Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income

For the 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012

(326,296)
(3,277)

(32,966)
(1,007)

 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 

Profit for the period 
Other comprehensive income: 

Exchange differences on translation 
of foreign operations 

Total other comprehensive income for  
the period 

 GROUP 

 COMPANY 

52 weeks to 
28 January 2012 
£000

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011 
£000

52 weeks to 
28 January 2012 
£000

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011 
£000

 49,349 

 55,867 

 52,190 

 47,045 

(2,096)

(2,096)

 95 

 95 

 - 

 -   

 -   

 -   

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

 47,253 

 55,962 

 52,190 

 47,045 

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

 44,751 
 2,502 

 55,979 
(17)

 52,190 
 - 

 47,045 
 -   

 
Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position

As at 28 January 2012

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 

 GROUP 

As at
28 January 2012
£000

As at 
29 January 2011
£000

Note

 COMPANY 
As at
28 January 2012
£000

As at
29 January 2011
£000

 13 
 14 
 15 
 16 
 17 
 18 
 26 

 19 
 20 
 21 

 22 
 24 
 25 

 22 
 24 
 25 
 26 

 99,814 
 119,518 
 -   
 16,975 
 -   
 -   
 -   

 58,315 
 78,120 
 3,000 
 13,047 
 3,458 
 -   
 125 

 28,186 
 71,103 
 2,970 
 3,558 
 - 
 42,475 
 307 

 28,096 
 51,539 
 3,000 
 3,590 
 - 
 9,064 
 1,082 

 236,307 

 156,065 

 148,599 

 96,371 

 130,355 
 54,147 
 67,024 

 84,490 
 37,105 
 90,131 

 52,579 
 123,953 
 28,762 

 47,472 
 82,535 
 81,204 

 251,526 

 211,726 

 205,294 

 211,211 

 487,833 

 367,791 

 353,893 

 307,582 

(5,547)
(196,052)
(3,375)
(8,861)

(2,874)
(128,445)
(2,591)
(12,370)

 -   
(95,077)
(2,404)
(2,877)

 -   
(85,520)
(1,920)
(11,465)

(213,835)

(146,280)

(100,358)

(98,905)

(1,182)
(36,149)
(6,407)
(1,012)

(1,117)
(28,782)
(6,437)
 -   

 -   
(28,440)
(4,008)
 -   

 -   
(24,370)
(4,072)
 -   

Total non-current liabilities 

(44,750)

(36,336)

(32,448)

(28,442)

Total liabilities 

(258,585)

(182,616)

(132,806)

(127,347)

Total assets less total liabilities 

 229,248 

 185,175 

 221,087 

 180,235 

Capital and reserves 
Issued ordinary share capital 
Share premium 
Retained earnings 
Other reserves 

 27

 2,433 
 11,659 
 207,503 
(6,339)

 2,433 
 11,659 
 171,916 
(1,918)

 2,433 
 11,659 
 206,995 
 - 

 2,433 
 11,659 
 166,143 
 - 

Total equity attributable to equity holders of 
the parent 

 215,256 

 184,090 

 221,087 

 180,235 

Non-controlling interest 

 13,992 

 1,085 

 - 

 - 

Total equity 

 229,248 

 185,175 

 221,087 

 180,235 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 12 April 2012 and were signed on its behalf by:

B Small 
Director

Registered number: 1888425

 
 54/55

Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity

For the 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012

GROUP 

Ordinary 
share 
capital
 £000

Share 
premium
 £000

Retained 
earnings
 £000

 Other 
equity 
£000

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)
 -   
 -   

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
 £000

Total equity 
attributable 
to equity 
holders of 
the parent
 £000

Non-
controlling 
interest
 £000

Total 
equity
 £000

(244)

 139,189 

 1,333 

 140,522 

 -   

 55,884 

(17)

 55,867 

 95 

 95 

 95 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 95 

 95 

 55,979 
(9,002)
(1,769)
(627)
 320 

 -   

 -   

(17)
 -   
 -   
(573)
 342 

 95 

 95 

 55,962 
(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 

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
Non-controlling interest arising on acquisition 
Disposal of non-controlling interest 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   

 46,847 

 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 -   

 -   

 46,847 
(11,338)
 -   
 -   
 78 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   
(2,325)
 -   
 -   

 -   

 46,847 

 2,502 

 49,349 

(2,096)

(2,096)

(2,096)

(2,096)

(2,096)
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

 44,751 
(11,338)
(2,325)
 -   
 78 

 -   

 -   

 2,502 
(140)
 -   
 10,622 
(77)

(2,096)

(2,096)

 47,253 
(11,478)
(2,325)
 10,622 
 1 

Balance at 28 January 2012 

 2,433 

 11,659 

 207,503 

(4,094)

(2,245)

 215,256 

 13,992 

 229,248 

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 24).

COMPANY

Balance at 30 January 2010 

Profit for the period 

Total comprehensive income for the period 
Dividends to equity holders 

Balance at 29 January 2011 

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 

 128,100 

 142,192 

 -   

 -   
 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   

 47,045 

 47,045 

 47,045 
(5,937)

 47,045 
(5,937)

 2,433 

 11,659 

 166,143 

 180,235 

 -   

 -   
 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   

 52,190 

 52,190 

 52,190 
(11,338)

 52,190 
(11,338)

Balance at 28 January 2012 

 2,433 

 11,659 

 206,995 

 221,087 

 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows

For the 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012 

GROUP

COMPANY

52 weeks to 
28 January 2012
£000

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011
£000

52 weeks to 
28 January 2012 
£000

52 weeks to 
29 January 2011
£000

Note

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 
Dividend received from joint venture 
Gain on disposal of joint venture 
Reorganisation of the current warehouse operations 
Blacks restructuring  
Closure of Canterbury North America LLC  
Impairment of investment property 
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 

 17 
 9 
 8 
 7 
 3 

 4 
4
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 4 

 49,349 
(1,068)
 18,093 
 1,048 
(646)
 24,353 
(764)
 2,715 
 1,586 
(2,691)
(871)
 3,000 
 3,500 
 1,512 
 -   
 1,148 
(14,397)
(2,780)
 11,952 
(1,048)
(25,084)

 55,867 
(2,823)
 22,762 
 455 
(618)
 20,375 
(158)
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 1,007 
 1,440 
(9,622)
(5,209)
 14,676 
(455)
(22,002)

 52,190 
 -   
 18,259 
 637 
(719)
 14,488 
 -   
 -   
 61 
(6,712)
(871)
 3,000 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 631 
(5,107)
(42,418)
 10,995 
(637)
(23,454)

 47,045 
 -   
 23,789 
 300 
(844)
 14,229 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 1,007 
 1,419 
(3,347)
(6,111)
 6,378 
(300)
(21,761)

Net cash from operating activities 

 68,907 

 75,695 

 20,343 

 61,804 

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 
Acquisition of investments
Cash consideration of acquisitions 
Cash acquired with acquisitions 
Overdrafts acquired with acquisitions 
Dividend received from joint venture 
Loan payments received from joint venture 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities  
Repayment of interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Repayment of finance lease liabilities 
Draw down of syndicated bank facility 
Acquisition of non-controlling interest 
Sale of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interest 
Equity dividends paid 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest in 
subsidiaries 

 13 
 14 

18

4
 16 

 11 
 12 
28 

 646 
 171 
(312)
(1,711)
(43,846)
(1,903)
-
(26,106)
 4,019 
(3,326)
 7,217 
 -   

 618 
 1,082 
(491)
(9,560)
(30,855)
(2,114)
-
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 923 

 719 
 5 
(249)
(1,500)
(32,748)
(482)
(33,411)
(1,000)
 -   
 -   
 7,217 
 -   

 844 
 19 
(461)
(9,210)
(18,335)
(1,132)
-
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 923 

(65,151)

(40,397)

(61,449)

(27,352)

(16,755)
(1,459)
 -   
 -   
 2 
(11,338)

(310)
 -   
 -   
(1,200)
 662 
(9,002)

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 2 
(11,338)

 -   
 -   
 -   
(1,200)
 -   
(9,002)

(140)

 -   

 -   

 -   

Net cash used in financing activities 

(29,690)

(9,850)

(11,336)

(10,202)

Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents 

 31 

(25,934)

 25,448 

(52,442)

 24,250 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 

 31 

 87,545 

 62,097 

 81,204 

 56,954 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

 31 

 61,611 

 87,545 

 28,762 

 81,204 

 
 
Notes to  
the Consolidated  
Financial Statements

Significant accounting policies

1. 
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 28 January 2012 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 12 April 2012.

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 28 January 2012.

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 21 and 27 respectively. In addition, details of 
financial instruments and exposures to interest rate, foreign 
currency, credit and liquidity risks are outlined in note 23.

As at 28 January 2012, the Group had net cash balances of 

£60,295,000 (2011: £86,140,000) with available committed 
borrowing facilities of £75,000,000 of which £nil has been drawn 
down at the year end date (see note 23). With £75,000,000 
available, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to 
manage its business risks successfully despite the current 
uncertain economic outlook.

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.

 56/57

Adoption of new and revised standards

From 30 January 2011, the Group has applied the amendment to 
IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ (Classification of 
rights issues). 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. This has had no 
significant impact on the consolidated results or financial 
position of the Group. 

From 30 January 2011, the Group has applied the revised IAS 24 
‘Related Party Disclosure’. The standard amends the definition of 
a related party. This has had no significant impact on the 
consolidated results or financial position of the Group.

From 30 January 2011, the Group has applied Improvements to 
IFRS (issued May 2010) where the key improvements relevant to 
the Group relate to IFRS 3 Business Combinations.   

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and 

interpretations have been issued during the 52 week period 
ended 28 January 2012 but are not yet effective, and therefore 
have not yet been adopted by the Group.

IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' is applicable from 2015. 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.

IFRS 17 'Leases' is applicable from 2015. If endorsed, this 

standard will significantly affect the presentation of the Group 
financial statements with all leases apart from short term leases 
being recognised as either finance leases or 'other than finance' 
leases with a corresponding liability being the present value of 
the lease payments. 

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.

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

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1. 

Significant accounting policies (continued)

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. Assets 
in the course of construction are held at cost less any recognised 
impairment loss.

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

•   Long leasehold 

properties

not depreciated

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

•   Motor vehicles

Investment property

3 - 4 years on a straight 
line basis

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

25% per annum on a 
reducing balance basis

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.

Business combinations

All business combinations are accounted for by applying the 
acquisition method.

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.

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.

Intangible assets

I. 

Goodwill

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. 
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.

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 and whenever there is an 
indication that the goodwill may be impaired. 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 as part of a business combination are 

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

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 58/59

1. 
Significant accounting policies (continued)
Separately identifiable fascia names acquired are stated at fair 
value as at the acquisition date 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 an impairment review on an 
annual basis or more frequently if there is an indicator that the 
fascia name is impaired. 

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 or 
disposals 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.

Inventories 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 as past experience has shown that the key money is 
generally recoverable on disposal of a retail location and as such 
is deemed to have an indefinite useful economic life 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. 

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. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1. 

Significant accounting policies (continued)

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 are any indications 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 and fascia name, the cash-generating units 
used to monitor goodwill and test for impairment are the store 
portfolios and distribution companies. In respect of brand names 
and brand licenses, an estimation of future sales with a suitable 
royalty rate applied is used to test for impairment. 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.

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, revenue is 

recognised when goods are sold and the title has passed, less 
provision for returns. In the case of goods sold through the 
trading websites, revenue is recognised when goods are 
despatched. 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.

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 

•  Business restructuring and business closure related costs

•  Dividends received from joint venture

• 

 (Gains)/losses arising on changes in ownership interest 
where control has been obtained

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.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 60/61

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. Upon initial recognition, and for 
subsequent changes on remeasurement of the liability, a 
corresponding entry is made to other equity. 

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 based on the Board's 
strategic plans for the intangible asset, the useful economic life of 
the intangible asset and the selection of a suitable discount rate.

1. 

Significant accounting policies (continued)

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:

I. 

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 to test it for impairment are 
therefore the store portfolios and distribution companies.  The 
recoverable amount is the higher of the value in use and the fair 
value less the costs to sell. 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.

II. 

 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. 

III. 

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.

IV. 

 Impairment of other intangible assets with  
indefinite lives

The Group is required to test whether other intangible assets 
which are not authorised 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 
indefinite and further disclosure on impairment of other 
intangible assets with indefinite lives, including review of the 
key assumptions used.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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. A new 

reportable segment has been created in the current year on acquisition of the Blacks business (see note 11) which signalled an entry into the 
outdoor retail segment for 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, Champion Sports (Holdings), JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL and Duffer of St George Limited

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

 Outdoor retail - includes the results of the outdoor retail trading company Blacks Outdoor Retail 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, Nanny State Limited, Focus Brands Limited and 
Kukri Sports Limited (including global subsidiary companies)

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 customers is not appropriate. Disclosure of revenue from major product groups is not provided at this time due to the cost involved to 
develop a reliable product split on a same category basis across all companies in the Group.

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 had trading relationships 
with companies in all of the Group's segments. An asset of £nil (2011: £3,458,000) for the equity accounted investment in joint venture is 
included within the unallocated segment. The exceptional credits pertaining to the dividend received from joint venture (£2,691,000) 
and gain on disposal of joint venture (£871,000) (see note 17) are 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 
liability of £1,012,000 (2011: asset of £125,000) and an income tax liability of £8,861,000 (2011: £12,370,000) 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.

Business segments

Information regarding the Group’s reportable operating segments for the 52 weeks to 28 January 2012 is shown below:

Income statement 

Gross revenue 

Intersegment revenue 

 Sport  
retail 
 £000

 Fashion  
retail 
 £000 

Outdoor 
retail 
 £000 

Distribution 
£000 

Unallocated 
£000 

 Total 
 £000 

 774,991 

 151,642 

 5,876 

 135,117 

(380)

 -   

-

(7,723)

 -   

 -   

 1,067,626 

(8,103)

Revenue 

 774,611 

 151,642 

 5,876 

 127,394 

 -   

 1,059,523 

Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items  

Exceptional items 

 74,301 

(4,654)

 3,303 

(1,538)

(2,199)

(3,500)

 1,056 

(3,555)

 -   

 3,562 

 76,461 

(9,685)

Operating profit/(loss)

Share of results of joint venture 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 

Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

 69,647 

 1,765 

(5,699)

(2,499)

 3,562 

 66,776 

 1,068 

 646 

(1,048)

 67,442 

(18,093)

 49,349 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 62/63

2.  Segmental analysis (continued)

Business segments (continued)

Total assets and liabilities 

 Sport  
retail 
 £000

 Fashion  
retail 
 £000 

Outdoor 
retail

 £000 

 Distribution 
 £000 

 Unallocated 
 £000 

Eliminations 
 £000 

 Total 
 £000 

Total assets 

 408,256 

 60,587 

 38,509 

 68,485 

 -   

(88,004)

 487,833 

Total liabilities 

(169,320)

(53,852)

(42,322)

(71,222)

(9,873)

 88,004 

(258,585)

Total segment net assets/(liabilities) 

 238,936 

 6,735 

(3,813)

(2,737)

(9,873)

 -   

 229,248 

Other segment information 

Capital expenditure: 

Brand names purchased 

Property, plant and equipment 

Non-current other assets 

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 

Outdoor 
retail

 £000 

 Distribution 
 £000 

 Total 
 £000 

 1,500 

 37,656 

 1,903 

 18,990 

 - 

 202 

 - 

 4,090 

 - 

 3,618 

 838 

 1,282 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 211 

 2,100 

 - 

 1,745 

 1,877 

 102 

 1,711 

 43,846 

 1,903 

 24,353 

 2,715 

 1,586 

The comparative segmental results for the 52 weeks to 29 January 2011 are as follows:

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

 Sport  
retail 
 £000 

 Fashion 
retail 
£000 

 Distribution 
 £000 

 Total 
 £000 

 667,224 

 134,110 

 85,498 

 886,832 

(1,290)

(162)

(1,711)

(3,163)

 665,934 

 133,948 

 83,787 

 883,669 

 73,340 

(2,687)

 6,399 

(1,573)

 188 

(24)

 79,927 

(4,284)

 70,653 

 4,826 

 164 

 75,643 

 2,823 

 618 

(455)

 78,629 

(22,762)

 55,867 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.  Segmental analysis (continued)

Business segments (continued) 

Total assets and liabilities

Total assets

Total liabilities

 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 

Geographical information

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 

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

The following table provides analysis of the Group’s revenue by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services:

Revenue 

UK 

Europe 

Rest of world 

52 weeks to
28 January 2012
 £000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
 £000

 863,771 

 157,668 

 38,084 

 1,059,523 

 801,728 

 55,027 

 26,914 

 883,669 

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 £nil 

(2011: £3,458,000) and deferred tax assets of £nil (2011: £125,000) by the geographical area in which the assets are located:

Non-current assets 

UK 

Europe 

Rest of world 

2012 
 £000 

 176,657 

 59,090 

 560 

 236,307 

2011 
 £000 

 135,852 

 16,362 

 268 

 152,482 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 64/65

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 

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 120 

 393 

 45 

 160 

 55 

 21,427 

 3 

 2,451 

 472 

 1,597 

 2,715 

 - 

(11)

 92,586 

 2,243 

 81 

 -   

 578 

 1,952 

 1,438 

 117 

 249 

 38 

 94 

 11 

 18,338 

 46 

 1,460 

 531 

 - 

 - 

 1,007 

 - 

 80,632 

 1,716 

 1,627 

 568 

 682 

 1,495 

 - 

In addition, fees of £35,000 (2011: £30,000) were incurred and paid by Pentland Group Plc (see note 35) 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).

  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
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) 

Reorganisation of the current warehouse operations (4) 

Closure of Canterbury North America LLC (5) 

Blacks restructuring (6) 

Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional  

Gain on acquisition (7) 

Dividend received from joint venture (8) 

Impairment of intangible assets (9) 

Impairment of investment property (10) 

Administrative expenses - exceptional 

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012
£000

 52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

Note

 25 

 17 

 17 

 15 

 1,148 

 1,586 

(214)

 3,000 

 1,512 

 3,500 

 1,440 

 -   

 1,837 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 10,532 

 3,277 

(871)

(2,691)

 2,715 

 -   

(847)

 9,685 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1,007 

 1,007 

 4,284 

(1)  

(2)  

(3)  

(4)  

(5)  

(6)  

(7)  

(8)  

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

 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. The charge includes £101,000 in relation to the closure of the Canterbury 
North America LLC operations

 Relates to the net movement in the provision for onerous property leases on trading and non-trading stores (see note 25)

 Relates to the reorganisation of the current warehouse operations consisting of the provision of onerous property leases  
and redundancy costs 

 Relates to the closure of the Canterbury North America LLC operations. Included in the impairment of non-current assets is a 
further £101,000 which relates to the closure of these operations

 Relates to the restructuring of the Blacks business following acquisition 

 Relates to the remeasurement in fair value of the Group's previously held investment in Focus Brands Limited (see note 17)

 The dividend of £7,217,000 was received from Focus Brands Limited on 15 February 2011 prior to the Group's acquisition of a 
further 31% of the issued share capital of Focus Brands Limited. The dividend received was eliminated against the carrying value 
of the Group's equity accounted investment with the excess of £2,691,000 recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement as 
an exceptional credit

(9)  

 Relates to the impairment in the period to 28 January 2012 of the goodwill and brand name arising on the acquisition of Kooga 
Rugby Limited and the fascia name arising on the acquisition of Premium Fashion Limited (see note 13)

(10) 

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

These selling and distribution expenses and administrative expenses are exceptional items as they are, in aggregate, material in size 

and unusual or infrequent in nature.

5.  Remuneration of Directors

Directors’ emoluments: 

As Non-Executive Directors 

As Executive Directors 

Pension contributions 

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012 
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 99 

 3,462 

 49 

 3,610 

 90 

 3,381 

 47 

 3,518 

The remuneration of the Executive Directors includes provision for future special retention scheme payments totalling £900,000 

(2011: £nil) and provision for future LTIP payments of £417,000 (2011: £771,000). Further information on Directors’ emoluments is shown in 
the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 50.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 66/67

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 30) 

 2012

 2011

 16,791 

 591 

 10,906 

 325 

 17,382 

 11,231 

 10,626 

 6,759 

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012
 £000 

 52 weeks to
29 January 2011
 £000 

 155,369 

 14,018 

 1,416 

 122,946 

 9,711 

 1,201 

 170,803 

 133,858 

In the opinion of the Board, the key management as defined under revised IAS 24 'Related Party Disclosures' are the six Executive  
and Non-Executive Directors (2011: six). Full disclosure of the Directors' remuneration is given in the Directors' Remuneration Report  
on page 50. 

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 persons were as follows:

COMPANY 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs 

7. 

Financial income

Bank interest 

Other interest 

 2012 

 8,412 

 258 

 8,670 

 5,114 

2011

 8,185 

 225 

 8,410 

 4,899 

 52 weeks to 
 28 January 2012 
£000 

 52 weeks to
29 January 2011
 £000 

 91,548 

 6,289 

 485 

 85,913 

 5,911 

 484 

 98,322 

 92,308 

 52 weeks to 
 28 January 2012 
£000 

 52 weeks to
29 January 2011
 £000 

 572 

 74 

 646 

 579 

 39 

 618 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8.  Financial expenses

On bank loans and overdrafts 

Interest on obligations under finance leases 

Other interest 

9. 

Income tax expense

Current tax 

UK corporation tax at 26.3% (2011: 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 (see note 26) 

 52 weeks to 
 28 January 2012
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 905 

 129 

 14 

 1,048 

 380 

 - 

 75 

 455 

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012
 £000 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 19,204 

 609 

 23,250 

 385 

 19,813 

 23,635 

(1,825)

 105 

(1,720)

 52 

(925)

(873)

Income tax expense

 18,093 

 22,762 

Reconciliation of income tax expense 

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012
 £000 

 52 weeks to
29 January 2011
 £000 

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26.3% (2011: 28.0%)

 17,737 

 22,016 

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

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

Profit from joint venture - after tax result included

Non-qualifying impairment of goodwill on consolidation

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses

Reduction in tax rate

Change in unrecognised temporary differences

Under/(over) provided in prior periods

 288 

 1,175 

 -   

 154 

 182 

(281)

 549 

(3,283)

(5)

 863 

 714 

 845 

 1,056 

 282 

 77 

 35 

(790)

 - 

(43)

(23)

(153)

(540)

Income tax expense

 18,093 

 22,762 

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 68/69

10.  Earnings per ordinary share

 Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share at 28 January 2012 is based on the profit for the period attributable to 
equity holders of the parent of £46,847,000 (2011: £55,884,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during 
the 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012 of 48,661,658 (2011: 48,661,658).

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012 

 52 weeks to
29 January 2011 

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 

 Note 

 4

 17

 52 weeks to
 28 January 2012 
£000 

 52 weeks to
 29 January 2011
 £000 

 46,847 
 8,537 
(2,689)
(1,170)

 55,884 
 2,844 
(514)
(1,348)

 51,525

 56,866 

Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share 

105.89p  

116.86p 

11.  Acquisitions

Current period acquisitions

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 and 
international associations.

During the period since acquisition to 28 January 2012, certain measurement adjustments have been made to the fair values of the net 

assets of Kukri Sports Limited as at the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. The goodwill calculation is 
summarised below:

Acquiree's net liabilities at the acquisition date:
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred tax asset/(liabilities)

Net identifiable liabilities

Non-controlling interest
Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash

Book value 
 £000 

Measurement 
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
28 January 2012
£000 

 -   
 281 
 749 
 1,692 
 128 
(4,176)
(986)
 8 

(2,304)

 633 

 720 
(60)
(131)
(40)
 -   
(322)
 -   
(152)

 15 

 3 

 720 
 221 
 618 
 1,652 
 128 
(4,498)
(986)
(144)

(2,289)

 636 
 1,653 

 -   

The Group’s non-controlling interest arising on acquisition of £636,000 includes indirect ownership within the Kukri group of companies.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £1,652,000 and includes trade receivables with a fair value of £1,220,000. The gross 

contractual amount for trade receivables due is £1,309,000 of which £89,000 is expected to be uncollectable.

The Kukri brand has been identified as a separate intangible asset and this amount is included within acquired intangible assets  
as a brand name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net identifiable liabilities is best considered as goodwill 
on acquisition, predominately representing employee expertise.

Included in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 is revenue of £16,127,000 and a profit before tax of £532,000 in respect of  

Kukri Sports Limited. 

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Current period acquisitions (continued)

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 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.  The increase in Group ownership has 
resulted in a gain of £871,000 being recognised as an exceptional credit in the Consolidated Income Statement upon remeasurement of 
the Group’s previously held equity interest to fair value. 

Details of pre-existing relationships that the Group had with Focus Brands Limited are disclosed in note 32.

During the period since acquisition to 28 January 2012, certain measurement adjustments have been made to the fair values of the net 

assets of Focus Brands Limited as at the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS3 'Business Continuations'. The goodwill calculation is  
summarised below:

Book value 
 £000 

Measurement
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
28 January 2012
£000 

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

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Income tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest (20%)

Goodwill on acquisition

Gain on remeasurement of previously held interest in Focus Brands Limited 

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash

Deferred consideration

Total consideration

 635 

 2,744 

 1,138 

 543 

(2,025)

(16)

(1,080)

(19)

 1,920 

(384)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(200)

 -   

 56 

-

(144)

 29 

 635 

 2,744 

 1,138 

 543 

(2,225)

(16)

(1,024)

(19)

 1,776 

(355)

 700 

(871)

 1,000 

 250 

 1,250 

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £1,138,000 and includes trade receivables with a fair value of £910,000. The gross 

contractual amount for trade receivables due is £917,000 of which £7,000 is expected to be uncollectable.

The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net identifiable assets is best considered as goodwill on acquisition, 

representing employee expertise and anticipated future operating synergies. 

Included in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 is revenue of £26,442,000 and a profit before tax of £1,280,000 in respect of  

Focus Brands Limited. Included within revenue is £9,286,000 of revenue to other Group companies which has therefore been  
eliminated on consolidation.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 70/71

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Current period acquisitions (continued)

Acquisition of Champion Sports (Holdings)

On 4 April 2011, the Group (via its subsidiaries The John David Group Limited and JD Sports Limited) acquired 100% of the issued share 
capital of Champion Sports (Holdings) for a cash consideration of £6 (€7) and have also advanced £15,066,000 (€17,100,000) to allow it to 
settle all of its indebtedness save for a maximum potential liability of £2,203,000 (€2,500,000) 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. On acquisition, Champion has one store In Northern Ireland, which 
has subsequently closed.

During the period since acquisition to 28 January 2012, certain measurement adjustments have been made to the fair values of the net 

assets of Champion Sports (Holdings) as at the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. 

The goodwill calculation is summarised below:

Acquiree's net liabilities at the acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Net identifiable liabilities

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash

Book value 
 £000 

Measurement
adjustments 
 £000 

Fair value at 
28 January 2012
£000 

 -   

 6,384 

 4,560 

 2,645 

 1,456 

(40,677)

(9,660)

(1,416)

(141)

 2,000 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 23,695 

(411)

 -   

(879)

 2,000 

 6,384 

 4,560 

 2,645 

 1,456 

(16,982)

(10,071)

(1,416)

(1,020)

(36,849)

 24,405 

(12,444)

 12,444 

 -   

Measurement adjustments include a reduction of £23,695,000 in interest-bearing loans and borrowings following an agreement  

with the lender.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £2,645,000 and includes trade receivables with a fair value of £12,000. The gross 

contractual amount for trade receivables is £12,000 of which £nil is expected to be uncollectable. 

The intangible asset acquired represents the fair value of the ‘Champion’ fascia name (see note 13). The Board believes that the excess 
of consideration paid over net identifiable liabilities is best considered as goodwill on acquisition, representing employee expertise and 
anticipated future operating synergies. 

Subsequent to the acquisition and prior to 28 January 2012 the loan of €17,100,000 has been capitalised as an investment (see note 18). 

Included in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 is revenue of £36,916,000 and a loss before tax of £119,000 in respect of Champion 

Sports (Holdings). 

Premium Fashion Limited

On 18 June 2011, the Group acquired, via its subsidiary Premium Fashion Limited, the trade and assets of eight stores trading as  
Cecil Gee along with the Cecil Gee name and inventory from Moss Bros Group Plc for a cash consideration of £1,598,000.  
No measurement adjustments have been made from the date of acquisition to 28 January 2012. 

Subsequently 15% of the issued share capital of Premium Fashion Limited has been disposed of (see note 12).

Included in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 is revenue of £6,030,000 and a loss before tax of £1,420,000 in respect of  

Premium Fashion Limited.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Current period acquisitions (continued)

Acquisition of JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL

On 17 June 2011, the Group, via its new 50.1% owned subsidiary JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL (‘JD Sprinter’), acquired 100% of the trading 
businesses that make up the Sprinter group of companies in Spain. The remaining 49.9% of the shares in JD Sprinter are owned equally 
between the Segarra family, who founded Sprinter, and the Bernad family, who have been investors in Sprinter for 15 years. JD have made 
an investment of £17,536,000 (€20,000,000) into JD Sprinter by way of subscription for its new shares and the Segarra and Bernad 
families have put the Sprinter companies into JD Sprinter as consideration for their new shares.

Sprinter was founded in 1981 and is one of the leading sports retailers in Spain selling footwear, apparel, accessories and equipment 

for a wide range of sports as well as some lifestyle casual wear including childrenswear. This offer includes both international sports 
brands and successful own brands. Sprinter is based in Elche in South East Spain and on acquisition had 47 stores primarily based in 
Andalucia and Levante.

During the period since acquisition to 28 January 2012, certain measurement adjustments have been made to the provisional fair 
values of the net assets of JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL as at the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS 3 'Business Combinations'. 

The provisional goodwill calculation is summarised below:

Acquiree's net assets at the acquisition date:

Intangible assets

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

Provisions

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

Book value 
 £000 

Measurement 
adjustments 
 £000 

Provisional fair 
value at 
28 January 2012 
£000 

 -   

 8,192 

 1,035 

 15,426 

 383 

 1,832 

(3,326)

(20,330)

(355)

 735 

 5,058 

 861   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 373   

 -   

(2,064)

 5,058 

 9,053 

 1,035 

 15,426 

 383 

 1,832 

(3,326)

(19,957)

(355)

(1,329)

Net identifiable assets

 3,592 

 4,228 

 7,820 

Non-controlling interest (49.9%)

Goodwill on acquisition

(1,793)

(2,109)

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash

Consideration paid - share of cash invested in JD Sprinter 

Total consideration

The total non-controlling interest arising on the acquisition of  
JD Sprinter comprises:

Non-controlling interest in net identifiable assets of trading Sprinter companies

Non-controlling interest in net identifiable assets of JD Sprinter company

Total non-controlling interest 

(3,902)

 6,590 

 3,508 

 7,000 

 10,508 

 3,902 

 7,000 

 10,902 

On acquisition, the Group invested €20,000,000 of which €4,000,000 was paid to the vendors and €16,000,000 was invested in JD 
Sprinter Holdings SL. The consideration consists of €12,000,000 being the €4,000,000 paid to the vendors and €8,000,000 which is the 
element of the cash invested in JD Sprinter that belongs to the non-controlling interest.  

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £383,000 and includes trade receivables with a fair value of £87,000. The gross 

contractual amount for trade receivables due is £87,000 of which £nil is expected to be uncollectable. 

The intangible asset acquired represents the fair value of the ‘Sprinter’ fascia name (see note 13). The Board believes that the excess of 

consideration paid over net identifiable assets is best considered as goodwill on acquisition, representing employee expertise and 
anticipated future operating synergies. 

Included in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 is revenue of £51,710,000 and a profit before tax of £4,497,000 in respect of JD 

Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 72/73

11.  Acquisitions (continued)

Current period acquisitions (continued)

Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited

On 9 January 2012, the Group acquired, via its subsidiary Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited, the trade and assets of Blacks Leisure Group Plc 
and certain of its subsidiaries from its Administrators for a total cash consideration of £20,000,000. 

Blacks is a long established retailer of specialist outdoor footwear, apparel and equipment and has two fascias (Blacks and Millets) 

and was trading from 296 stores at the point of its administration. In addition to selling third party brands such as North Face and 
Berghaus, Blacks has two strong own brands in Peter Storm and Eurohike. 

The provisional goodwill calculation is summarised below:

Acquiree's net assets at acquisition date: 

Intangible Assets 

Other assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Inventories 

Cash 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net identifiable assets 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration paid - satisfied in cash 

Book value 
 £000 

Measurement 
adjustments 
 £000 

Provisional fair 
value at 
28 January 2012
£000 

 3,000 

 -   

 6,799 

 6,692 

 60 

 3,449 

 -   

 -   

 8,500 

 1,650 

(3,799)

 -   

 -   

 1,900 

(13,022)

(413)

 11,500 

 1,650 

 3,000 

 6,692 

 60 

 5,349 

(13,022)

(413)

 20,000 

(5,184)

 14,816 

 5,184 

 20,000 

Measurement adjustments include accruals of £13,022,000 for Retention of Title and other claims arising consequent to the 

Administration process.

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £5,349,000 and includes trade receivables with a fair value of £nil. 

The intangible assets acquired represent the fair value of the Peter Storm and Eurohike brands as well as the ‘Blacks’ and 'Millets' 
fascia names (see note 13). The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net identifiable assets is best considered as 
goodwill on acquisition, representing employee expertise and anticipated future operating synergies. 

Included in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 is revenue of £5,876,000 and a loss before tax of £5,699,000 in respect of Blacks 

Outdoor Retail Limited.

Full year impact of acquisitions

Had the acquisitions of Kukri Sports Limited, Focus Brands Limited, Champion Sports (Holdings), JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL, Premium 
Fashion Limited and Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited been effected at 30 January 2011, the revenue and profit before tax of the Group for 
the 52 week period to 28 January 2012 would have been £1,254,938,000 and £40,710,000 respectively.

Acquisition costs

Acquisition-related costs amounting to £495,000 (Kukri Sports Limited: £40,000; Focus Brands Limited: £40,000; Champion Sports 
(Holdings): £120,000; JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL: £160,000; Premium Fashion Limited: £45,000 and Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited: 
£90,000) have been excluded from the consideration transferred and have been recognised as an expense in the year, within 
administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Prior period acquisitions

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. No measurement adjustments were made to the fair value in the 52 week period to 28 January 2012. 

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. No measurement adjustments were made to the fair value in the 52 week 
period to 28 January 2012.    

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

12.  Disposals

Current year disposals 

Disposal of 15% of issued ordinary share capital of Premium Fashion Limited

On 2 December 2011, JD Sports Fashion Plc disposed of 15% of the issued ordinary share capital of Premium Fashion Limited to Benba 
Investments Limited, Chape Investments Limited and Ginda Investments Limited by issuing 1,500 new shares (500 shares to each new 
shareholder) in exchange for a cash consideration of £1,500. This reduces the Group’s shareholding to 85%, as simultaneously to this 
Premium Fashion Limited allotted JD Sports Fashion Plc a further 8,499 shares for a cash consideration of £8,499. As the Group has 
maintained control of Premium Fashion Limited, the decrease in Group ownership has been accounted for as an equity transaction.

Prior year disposals

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 30 January 2010 

Acquisitions 

At 29 January 2011 

Acquisitions 

Exchange differences 

 Goodwill 
 £000 

 42,341 

 - 

 42,341 

 26,571 

(1,006)

 Brand  
licences 
 £000 

 4,279 

 7,500 

 11,779 

 - 

 - 

 Brand  
names 
 £000 

 9,167 

 2,060 

 11,227 

 5,431 

 - 

 Fascia  
name 
 £000 

 5,481 

 - 

 5,481 

 16,396 

(727)

 Total 
 £000 

 61,268 

 9,560 

 70,828 

 48,398 

(1,733)

At 28 January 2012 

 67,906 

 11,779 

 16,658 

 21,150 

 117,493 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for the period 

At 29 January 2011 

Charge for the period 

Impairments 

 9,869 

 - 

 9,869 

 - 

 1,537 

 784 

 424 

 1,208 

 1,111 

 - 

 400 

 1,036 

 1,436 

 1,340 

 340 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 838 

 11,053 

 1,460 

 12,513 

 2,451 

 2,715 

At 28 January 2012 

 11,406 

 2,319 

 3,116 

 838 

 17,679 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

 56,500 

 9,460 

 13,542 

 20,312 

 99,814 

At 29 January 2011 

 32,472 

 10,571 

 9,791 

 5,481 

 58,315 

At 30 January 2010 

 32,472 

 3,495 

 8,767 

 5,481 

 50,215 

Impairment

The impairment in the period relates to the goodwill and brand name totalling £1,877,000 on the acquisition of the entire issued share 

capital of Kooga Rugby Limited in 2009 and the Cecil Gee fascia name of £838,000 arising on the acquisition of the trade and assets of 
Cecil Gee from Moss Bros in June 2011.

Kooga Rugby Limited performance has not progressed sufficiently to carry on justifying the carrying value of the goodwill and brand 

name and so, accordingly, the Board believes that the balance of £1,877,000 should be impaired.

The fair value of the ‘Cecil Gee’ fascia name acquired as part of the acquisition on 18 June 2011 of the trade and assets of 8 stores 
trading as Cecil Gee from Moss Bros Group Plc was £838,000. Management will rebrand these stores in the longer term. Consequently 
the Board believes that the fascia name should be impaired as at 28 January 2012.  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 74/75

13.  Intangible assets (continued)

Brand licences

Brand licences comprise the following:

GROUP 

Terms

Segment

Fila

Sergio Tacchini

10 year license for exclusive use of 
the brand in the UK and Republic 
of Ireland

Sub-licence to use the brand in the 
UK until 2019

Sport

Sport

 Cost 
 £000 

7,500

4,279

 Net book  
value  
2012 
 £000 

 Net book  
value  
2011 
 £000 

6,688

2,772

7,437

3,134

9,460

10,571

Brand licences are being amortised on a straight line basis over the licence period. Amortisation of these intangibles is included 

within cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Brand names

Brand names comprise the following:

GROUP 

Fenchurch

Peter Werth

Sonneti

Chilli Pepper

17 March 2011

26 May 2011

26 April 2010

18 June 2010

Sport

Sport

Sport

Sport

Sport

Duffer of St George

24 November 2009

Peter Storm

Eurohike

Kukri 

Canterbury

Kooga 

Nanny State

9 January 2012

9 January 2012

Outdoor

Outdoor

7 February 2011

Distribution

4 August 2009

Distribution

3 July 2009

Distribution

4 August 2010

Distribution

Acquisition  
date

Segment

 Cost 
 £000 

 Net book  
value  
2012 
 £000 

 Net book  
value  
2011 
 £000 

1,100

400

1,520

190

2,042

2,250

750

720

6,884

453

350

999

373

1,292

162

1,558

2,250

750

648

5,212

 - 

298

 - 

 - 

 1,444 

 181 

 1,779 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 5,672 

 382 

 333 

13,542

9,791

All brand names are being amortised over a period of 10 years and the amortisation charge is included within administrative 

expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Fascia name

Fascia names comprise the following:

GROUP 

Champion

Sprinter

Blacks

Millets

Bank

Cecil Gee

Segment

Sport

Sport

Outdoor

Outdoor

Fashion

Fashion

 Cost 
 £000 

2,000

5,058

8,000

500

5,481

838

 Net book  
value  
2012 
 £000 

 Net book  
value  
2011 
 £000 

2,000

4,331

8,000

500

5,481

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 5,481 

 - 

20,312

5,481

Fascia names are not being amortised as management consider these assets to have indefinite useful economic life. Factors considered by 
the Board in determining that the useful life of the fascia names are indefinite for all fascia names, with the exception of 'Cecil Gee' include:

•  The strength of the respective fascia names in the relevant sector and geographic region where the fascia is located

• 

• 

 The history of the fascia names and that of similar assets in the UK (in relation to Blacks, Millets and Bank), Republic of Ireland 
(Champion) and Spain (Sprinter) retail sectors 

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

As described on page 74 the 'Cecil Gee' fascia name has been fully impaired as at 28 January 2012. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

13.  Intangible assets (continued)

COMPANY 

Cost or valuation 

At 30 January 2010 

Acquisitions 

At 29 January 2011 

Acquisitions 

At 28 January 2012 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for the period 

At 29 January 2011 

Charge for the period 

At 28 January 2012 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

Goodwill 
£000 

Brand licences 
£000 

Brand names 
£000 

19,945 

- 

19,945 

- 

4,279 

7,500 

11,779 

- 

19,945 

11,779 

4,045 

- 

4,045 

- 

4,045 

784 

424 

1,208 

1,111 

2,319 

15,900 

9,460 

15,900 

10,571 

 - 

1,710 

1,710 

1,500 

3,210 

- 

85 

85 

299 

384 

2,826 

1,625 

Total 
£000 

24,224 

9,210 

33,434 

1,500 

34,934 

4,829 

509 

5,338 

1,410 

6,748 

28,186 

28,096 

15,900 

3,495 

 - 

19,395 

Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill

Goodwill and fascia names are 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. The recoverable amount is compared to the carrying amount of the CGU 
including goodwill and fascia names. 

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. The carrying amount of goodwill and fascia name 

by CGU is shown below

                                                                  GROUP

              COMPANY

Goodwill 
2012 
 £000 

Fascia 
name 
2012 
 £000 

Goodwill 
2011 
 £000

2012 
 £000

Fascia 
name 
2011 
 £000

Goodwill 
2012 
 £000 

Goodwill 
2011 
 £000

2011 
 £000 

Allsports store portfolio 

First Sport store portfolio 

Bank store portfolio 

Champion store portfolio 

Sprinter store portfolio 

Topgrade Sportswear Limited 

Nicholas Deakins Limited 

Kooga Rugby Limited 

Kukri Sports Limited 

Blacks store portfolio 

Millets store portfolio 

Focus Brands Limited 

 924 

 14,976 

 14,154 

 11,765 

 6,263 

 17 

 864 

 - 

 1,653 

 5,184 

 - 

 700 

 - 

 - 

 924 

 924 

 14,976 

 14,976 

 - 

 - 

 924 

 924 

 924 

 14,976 

 14,976 

 14,976 

 19,635 

 14,154 

 5,481 

 19,635 

 5,481 

 2,000 

 4,331 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 13,765 

 10,594 

 17 

 864 

 - 

 1,653 

 8,000 

 13,184 

 500 

 - 

 500 

 700 

 - 

 - 

 17 

 864 

 1,537 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 17 

 864 

 1,537 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 56,500 

 20,312 

 76,812 

 32,472 

 5,481 

 37,953 

 15,900 

 15,900 

 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 76/77

13.  Intangible assets (continued)

Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill 
(continued)

Goodwill and fascia names are 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. The recoverable amount is compared to the carrying 
amount of the CGU including goodwill and fascia names. 

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

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. 
Revenue is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate 
of 1.0% in the first five year period for the First Sport store 
portfolio and 4.0% in the first five year period for the Bank store 
portfolio. Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic levels. Cash flows beyond this five year 
period are extrapolated using a growth rate of 2.0% (2011: 2.0%) 
which is an estimate of the growth based on past experience 
within the Group taking account of economic growth forecasts 
for the sport and fashion retail industries

 In relation to the Champion store portfolio and the Sprinter 
store portfolio, which are newly acquired in the period, the cash 
flow projections are based on actual operating results from the 
period since acquisition, together with financial forecasts and 
strategy plans approved by the Board covering a five year 
period. These forecasts and plans reflect predicted synergies as 
a result of the business combination and expectations for 
future market development. For the Champion store portfolio, 
revenue is expected to grow by a compound annual growth 
rate of 2.0% in the first five year period, with a steady margin % 
improvement of 5.0% over this period in total to reflect 
implementation of enhanced group terms and a more focused 
strategy regarding stock and merchandising. For the Sprinter 
store portfolio, revenue is expected to grow by a compound 
annual growth rate of 3.0% in the first five year period, with a 
steady margin % improvement of 2.0% over this period in total 
to reflect a more focused strategy regarding stock and 
merchandising. Cash flows beyond this five year period are 
extrapolated using a growth rate of 2.0% which is an estimate 
of the growth based on past experience of other retail store 
portfolios in the Group taking account of economic growth 
forecasts for the sport retail industries

 In relation to the Blacks and Millets store portfolio which was 
newly acquired in the period, the cash flow projections are 
based on actual operating results from the period since 
acquisition, together with financial forecasts and strategy 
plans approved by the Board covering a five year period. These 
forecasts and plans reflect predicted synergies as a result of the 
business combination and expectations for future market 
development. Revenue is expected to grow by a compound 
annual growth rate of 5.00% in the first five year period. Cash 
flows beyond this five year period are extrapolated using a 
growth rate of 2.0% which is an estimate of the growth based 
on past experience of other retail store portfolios in the Group 
taking account of economic growth forecasts for the sport retail 
industries

 In relation to Nicholas Deakins 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 up to 2.0% (2011: 2.0%) 
which is an estimate based on past experience

 In relation to Kukri Sports Limited and Focus Sports Limited, the 
cash flow projections are based on actual divisional operating 
results from the period since acquisition, together with 
financial forecasts and strategy plans approved by the Board 
covering a five year period. These forecasts are based on 
predicted synergies as a result of the business combination and 
expectations for future market development.  Cash flows 
beyond this five year period are extrapolated using a growth 
rate of up to 2.0% (2011: 2.0%) which is an estimate based on 
past experience of other similar distribution businesses within 
the Group

• 

• 

 Kooga Rugby Limited has been fully impaired in the current 
period (see above)

 A discount rate of 12.2% (2011: 14.9%) has been used for all 
impairment reviews with the exception of Champion store 
portfolio and Sprinter store portfolio. This is pre-tax and reflects 
the current market assessments of the time value of money 
and any specific risk premiums relevant to the individual 
CGU's. A pre tax rate of 16.4% has been used for the Sprinter 
store portfolio to reflect the current market assessments of the 
time value of money and specific geographical market related 
premium.  A pre tax rate of 16.1% has been used for the 
Champion store portfolio to reflect the current market 
assessments of the time value of money and specific 
geographical market related premium. These discount rates are 
considered to be equivalent to the rates a market participant 
would use. 

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. A value in 
use calculation is alternatively used where operating cash flows 
can be reliably allocated to a brand name. The Group has used a 
pre-tax discount rate of 12.2% (2011: 14.9%) 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. This discount rate is considered to be equivalent to 
the rate a market participant would use. 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 12.2% (2011: 14.9%) to reflect current 
market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific 
to the assets, for which future cash flow estimates have not been 
adjusted. This discount rate is considered to be equivalent to the 
rate a market participant would use. 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 for the 
Sergio Tacchini license and an annual growth of 10.0% for the 
following two years and then 2.0% over the remaining licence 
period for the Fila license. 

Sensitivity analysis

A sensitivity analysis has been performed on the base case 
assumptions of sales growth and discounts rates used for 
assessing the goodwill.

For the Champion 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 0.0% sales growth beyond year five 
rather than the 2.0% assumed and be unable to reduce selling and 
distribution and administrative costs, the reduction in value-in-
use would lead to an impairment of £1,529,000. All other 
assumptions remain unchanged.

Should the pre-tax discount rate increase by 2.0%, the reduction 

in value-in-use would lead to an impairment of £1,116,000. 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.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

14.  Property, plant and equipment 

 Land and 
long leasehold 
properties 
 £000 

Improvements 
to short 
leasehold 
properties  
£000 

 Computer 
 equipment  
£000 

 Fixtures 
and  
 fittings  
 £000 

 Motor  
 vehicles 
 £000 

 Assets in 
the course of 
construction 
 £000

 -   

 942 

 -   

 -   

 942 

 -   

 -   

 2,997 

 -   

 -   

 16,157 

 2,492 

(1,504)

 59 

 17,204 

 1,959 

(720)

 -   

 -   

 124 

 11,673 

 2,325 

(304)

 73 

 120,011 

 24,922 

(8,549)

(207)

 13,767 

 136,177 

 4,761 

(3,094)

 -   

 1,409 

 25 

 18,180 

(9,031)

 -   

 17,469 

(490)

 130 

 174 

(124)

 7 

 187 

 184 

(243)

 -   

 415 

 4 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 - 

 18,762 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

GROUP 

Cost 

At 30 January 2010 

Additions 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 29 January 2011 

Additions 

Disposals 

Transfer from investment 
property 

On acquisition of subsidiaries 

Exchange differences 

 Total  
 £000 

 147,971 

 30,855 

(10,481)

(68)

 168,277 

 43,846 

(13,088)

 2,997 

 19,293 

(337)

At 28 January 2012 

 3,939 

 18,567 

 16,868 

 162,305 

 547 

 18,762 

 220,988 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 29 January 2011 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

Impairments 

Exchange differences 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 - 

 27 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 8,579 

 1,890 

(1,159)

 53 

 9,363 

 1,398 

(584)

 21 

 62 

 8,742 

 1,870 

(285)

 69 

 10,396 

 2,421 

(3,040)

 106 

 80 

 63,193 

 14,515 

(7,109)

(196)

 70,403 

 17,418 

(8,243)

 1,470 

 123 

 23 

 63 

(94)

 3 

(5)

 163 

(115)

 -   

 6 

At 28 January 2012 

 27 

 10,260 

 9,963 

 81,171 

 49 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 80,537 

 18,338 

(8,647)

(71)

 90,157 

 21,427 

(11,982)

 1,597 

 271 

 101,470 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

 3,912 

 8,307 

 6,905 

 81,134 

 498 

 18,762 

 119,518 

At 29 January 2011 

 942 

 7,841 

 3,371 

 65,774 

At 30 January 2010 

 -   

 7,578 

 2,931 

 56,818 

 192 

 107 

 -   

 -   

 78,120 

 67,434 

The carrying amount of the group's property, plant and equipment includes an amount of £2,165,000 (2011: £nil) in respect of assets  
held under finance leases, comprising fixtures and fittings of £2,080,000 (2011: £nil) and motor vehicles of £85,000 (2011: £nil).  
The depreciation charge on those assets for the current period was £567,000 (2011: £nil), comprising fixtures and fittings of £532,000 
(2011: £nil) and motor vehicles of £35,000 (2011: £nil).

Impairment charges of £1,597,000 (2011: £nil) 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. 

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 78/79

14.  Property, plant and equipment (continued)

COMPANY

Cost 

At 30 January 2010 

Additions 

Exchange differences 

At 29 January 2011 

Additions 

Exchange differences 

Improvements 
to short 
leasehold 
properties  
£000 

 Land 
 £000 

 Computer 
 equipment  
£000 

 Fixtures 
and  
 fittings  
 £000 

 Motor  
 vehicles 
 £000 

Assets in 
the course of 
construction  
£000

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 942 

 -   

 12,790 

 1,383 

(1,184)

 12,989 

 1,116 

(525)

 10,608 

 1,752 

(197)

 93,870 

 15,042 

(5,486)

 12,163 

 103,426 

 3,501 

(2,253)

 8,427 

(6,307)

 158 

 158 

(82)

 234 

 -   

(21)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 18,762 

 -   

 Total  
 £000 

 117,426 

 18,335 

(6,949)

 128,812 

 32,748 

(9,106)

At 28 January 2012 

 942 

 13,580 

 13,411 

 105,546 

 213 

 18,762 

 152,454 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

At 29 January 2011 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

Impairments 

At 28 January 2012 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 7,549 

 1,279 

(935)

 7,893 

 950 

(435)

 7 

 8,437 

 1,438 

(195)

 9,680 

 1,556 

(2,226)

 2 

 53,909 

 10,477 

(4,763)

 59,623 

 10,050 

(5,907)

 51 

 86 

 44 

(53)

 77 

 42 

(13)

 1 

 8,415 

 9,012 

 63,817 

 107 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 69,981 

 13,238 

(5,946)

 77,273 

 12,598 

(8,581)

 60 

 81,351 

 942 

 5,165 

 4,399 

 41,729 

 106 

 18,762 

 71,103 

 -   

 -   

 5,096 

 2,483 

 43,803 

 5,241 

 2,171 

 39,961 

 157 

 72 

 -   

 -   

 51,539 

 47,445 

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

15.  Investment property 

GROUP

Cost 

At 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011  

Transfer to Property, Plant and Equipment 

At 28 January 2012 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Impairment 

At 29 January 2011 

Charge for period 

Transfer to Property, Plant and Equipment 

At 28 January 2012 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

 £000 

 4,160 

(4,160)

 - 

 107 

 46 

 1,007 

 1,160 

 3 

(1,163)

 - 

 - 

 3,000 

 4,053 

The investment property relates to a property leased to Focus Brands Limited. As such the property became owner-occupied from the 

perspective of the Group at the point when Focus Brands Limited became a subsidiary of the Group on 16 February 2011 (see note 11).  
The property remains an Investment Property from the Company perspective as at 28 January 2012. 

COMPANY

Cost 

At 30 January 2010, 29 January 2011 and 28 January 2012 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2010 

Charge for period 

Impairment 

At 29 January 2011 

Charge for period 

At 28 January 2012 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

 £000 

 4,160 

 107 

 46 

 1,007 

 1,160 

 30 

 1,190 

 2,970 

 3,000 

 4,053 

Based on an external valuation, the fair value of the investment property as at 28 January 2012 was £2,800,000 (2011: £3,000,000). 

Management do not consider the investment property to be impaired as the rental income over the life of the lease until December 

2023 supports the carrying value.  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 80/81

16.  Non-current other assets

Key money 

Deposits 

Legal fees 

                              GROUP

                               COMPANY

2012 
 £000 

 9,517 

 2,030 

 5,428 

2011 
 £000 

 8,419 

 779 

 3,849 

 16,975

 13,047 

2012 
 £000 

 - 

 - 

 3,558 

 3,558 

2011 
 £000 

 - 

 - 

 3,590 

 3,590 

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 £4,000 (2011: £nil) have been recognised on legal fees in specific cash-generating units which are loss  

making. There has also been a £15,000 gain recognised on previously impaired Key money following a revaluation of the Key money at  
28 January 2012.

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

Amortisation of non-current other assets of £472,000 (2011: £531,000) has been recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement  

(see note 3).

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 is 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. 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. As a result there is no further deferred 
consideration payable on the original transaction. 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. 

The results and assets and liabilities of the Focus Group were incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity 
method of accounting as a joint venture for the period to 16th February 2011. 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 
 28 January 2012 
 £000 

 As at 
 29 January 2011 
 £000 

 - 

 - 

 -   

 - 

 447 

 5,196 

(2,185)

 3,458 

The Group's share of the revenue generated by the joint venture in the period was £841,000 (2011: £15,418,000).

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

52 weeks to 28 January 2012 

52 weeks to 29 January 2011 

 Before 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

 Exceptionals 
 £000 

 After 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

 Before 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

 Exceptionals 
 £000 

 After 
 exceptionals 
 £000 

Share of result before tax 

Tax 

(143)

 41 

 1,166 

 4 

 1,023 

 45 

 2,102 

(627)

 1,549 

(201)

 3,651 

(828)

Share of result after tax 

(102)

 1,170 

 1,068 

 1,475 

 1,348 

 2,823 

The exceptional items in the current year relate to a further reversal of the impairment of the investment held by Focus Brands 

Limited in Focus Group Holdings Limited, following an additional repayment of original purchase consideration by the vendors of Focus 
Group Holdings Limited. This process is now complete and Focus is now an 80% subsidiary of the Group. The exceptional items in the 
prior 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.

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

18.  Investments 

COMPANY

Cost 

At 30 January 2010 

Additions 

At 29 January 2011 

Additions 

At 28 January 2012 

Impairment 

At 30 January 2010 and 29 January 2011 

Impairments 

At 28 January 2012 

Net book value 

At 28 January 2012 

At 29 January 2011 

At 30 January 2010 

The additions to investments in the current year comprise the following. Unless otherwise stated the investment is 100% owned.

COMPANY

Kukri Sports Limited (80% owned) 

Focus Brands Limited (80% owned)

Champion Sports (Holdings) 

Premium Fashion Ltd (85% owned) 

JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 (50.1% owned) 

Total additions 

 £000 

 13,334 

 1,200 

 14,534 

 33,411 

 47,945 

 5,470 

 -   

 5,470 

 42,475 

 9,064 

 7,864 

2012
 £000 

 -   

 1,616 

 14,250 

9 

 17,536 

 33,411 

The carrying value of the investment in Focus Brands Limited at 28 January 2012 is £2,121,000 comprising the cash consideration of 

£1,000,000, with potential deferred consideration of £250,000 in relation to the acquisition to an additional 31% of the issued share 
capital acquired in the year, in addition to the gain on acquisition of £871,000 relating to the remeasurement to fair value of the 
previously held investment in Focus Brands Limited (see note 17). The previously held investment of £505,000 was disposed of to give the 
net additional investment of £1,616,000. 

The long term loan owed to the Company by Champion Sports (Holdings) of £14,250,000 (€17,100,000) has been capitalised as an 
investment in the period to 28 January 2012 with £816,000 as a movement in the foreign currency translation reserve since acquisition.

A list of principal subsidiaries is shown in note 36.

19.  Inventories 

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

 2012 
 £000 

 2011 
 £000 

 2012 
 £000 

2011
 £000 

Finished goods and goods for resale 

 130,355 

 84,490 

 52,579 

 47,472 

The cost of inventories recognised as expenses and included in cost of sales for the 52 weeks ended 28 January 2012 was  
£538,676,000 (2011: £446,657,000). 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 82/83

20.  Trade and other receivables 

Current assets 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Amounts owed by other Group companies 

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

 2012 
 £000 

 17,730 

 3,804 

 32,613 

 - 

 2011 
 £000 

 13,626 

 1,955 

 21,524 

 - 

 2012 
 £000 

 1,368 

 507 

 15,250 

 106,828 

2011
 £000 

 902 

 601 

 13,566 

 67,466 

 54,147 

 37,105 

 123,953 

 82,535 

The ageing of trade receivables is detailed below:

GROUP

Not past due

Past due 30-60 days

Past 60 days

 Gross 
 £000 

 10,062 

 3,664 

 5,024 

2012 

Provision 
 £000 

(40)

(107)

(873)

 Net 
 £000 

 10,022 

 3,557 

 4,151 

 Gross 
 £000 

 7,474 

 2,973 

 4,041 

2011 

Provision
 £000 

(56)

(25)

(781)

Net
 £000 

 7,418 

 2,948 

 3,260 

 18,750 

(1,020)

 17,730 

 14,488 

(862)

 13,626 

As at 28 January 2012, trade receivables at nominal value £1,455,000 was provided for, of which £83,000 was not past due, £383,000 

was past due 30-60 days and £989,000 was past 60 days.

COMPANY

Not past due

Past due 30-60 days

Past 60 days

Gross
 £000 

 264 

 437 

 767 

2012 

Provision
 £000 

 -   

 -   

(100)

Net
 £000 

 264 

 437 

 667 

Gross
 £000 

 111 

 475 

 538 

 1,468 

(100)

 1,368 

 1,124 

2011 

Provision
 £000 

 -   

(26)

(196)

(222)

Net
 £000 

 111 

 449 

 342 

 902 

As at 28 January 2012, trade receivables at nominal value £623,000 was provided for, of which £52,000 was not past due, £267,000 was 

past due 30-60 days and £304,000 was past 60 days.

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 wide 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 30 January 2010 

Created 

Released  

Utilised 

At 29 January 2011 

Created 

Released  

Utilised 

At 28 January 2012 

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

 GROUP 
 £000 

 COMPANY 
 £000 

 916 

 715 

(45)

(724)

 862 

 760 

(77)

(525)

 1,020 

 108 

 114 

 - 

 - 

 222 

 100 

 - 

(222)

 100 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

21.  Cash and cash equivalents 

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

 2012  
 £000  

 2011  
 £000 

  2012
 £000 

 2011 
 £000 

Bank balances and cash floats 

 67,024 

 90,131 

 28,762 

 81,204 

22.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

Current liabilities 

Finance lease liabilities 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Non-current liabilities 

Finance lease liabilities 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Other loans 

 2012  
 £000  

 610 

 4,937 

 5,547 

 50 

 765 

 367 

 2011  
 £000 

 - 

 2,874 

 2,874 

 -   

 287 

 830 

 1,182 

 1,117 

  2012
 £000 

 2011 
 £000 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

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 23.

Bank facilities

As at 28 January 2012, the Group has a syndicated committed £75,000,000 bank facility which expires on 11 October 2015. Under this 
facility, a maximum of 10 drawdowns can 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 1.25%. The arrangement fee is 0.6%. The commitment fee on the 
undrawn element of the facility is 45% of the applicable margin rate. This 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. 

At 28 January 2012, there were no amounts drawn down on this facility (2011: no amounts were drawn down on the previous facility).

Bank loans and overdrafts

The following Group companies have overdraft facilities which are repayable on demand:

•  Chausport SA €5,000,000 (2011: €3,000,000)

•  Sprinter Megacentros Del Deporte SLU €8,800,000

•  Champion Sports Holdings €3,000,000  

•  Kukri Sports Limited and Kukri GB Limited £170,000  

•  Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited AUD $3,000,000

Further information on guarantees provided by the Company is disclosed in notes 33.

Included within bank loans and overdrafts are term loans of £288,000 (2011: £575,000) 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.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 84/85

22.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (continued) 

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

Within one year 
Between one and five years 

Other loans

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

 4,937 
 765 

 5,702 

2011 
 £000 

 2,874 
 287 

 3,161 

 2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

 -   
 -   

 -   

 -   
 -   

 -   

The Group has a loan payable to Herald Island Limited, the non-controlling interest in Canterbury of New Zealand Limited. 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 24).

The maturity of the other loans is as follows:

Between one and five years 

Finance leases

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

 367 

 367 

2011 
 £000 

 830 

 830 

 2012 
 £000 

 -

 -   

2011 
 £000 

 -   

 -   

As at 28 January 2012, the Group's liabilities under finance leases are analysed as follows:

Amounts payable under finance leases: 
Within one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 
After five years 

                            Minimum lease payments
2011 
 £000 

2012 
 £000 

 646 
 55 
 -   

 701 

 - 
 -   
-

 -   

The present value of future payments is analysed as:

Current liabilities 
Non- current liabilities 

Present value of minimum 

lease payments      

 2012 
 £000 

 610 
 50 
-

 660 

 2012 
 £000 

 610 
 50 

 660 

2011 
 £000 

 - 
 -   
-

 -   

2011 
 £000 

 - 
 - 

 -   

Assets held under finance leases consists of store fit outs (included within fixtures and fittings) and motor vehicles. The fair value of 
the Group's lease obligations approximate to their present value.  The Group's obligations under finance leases are secured by the lessors' 
rights over the leased assets.

  
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

23.  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’ and ‘Cash and cash equivalents’ 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 and EURIBOR. The currency profile of cash and cash 
equivalents is shown below:

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

Bank balances and cash floats 

 67,024 

 90,131 

 28,762 

 81,204 

Sterling 

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

 31,846 

 29,117 

 3,591 

 1,075 

 1,262 

 133 

 74,031 

 7,126 

 6,984 

 1,040 

 930 

 20 

 21,706 

 4,701 

 2,265 

 90 

 - 

 - 

 69,831 

 4,881 

 6,492 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 67,024 

 90,131 

 28,762 

 81,204 

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

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

Financial liabilities

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

 6,574 

 816 

 2,564 

 1,726 

 966 

2011 
 £000 

 1,350 

 802 

 1,845 

 1,179 

 387 

2012 
 £000 

 4 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

2011 
 £000 

 240 

 12 

 - 

 - 

 - 

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:

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

 6,729 

 3,991 

Sterling 

Euros 

New Zealand Dollars 

Canadian Dollars 

 150 

 6,159 

 404 

 16 

 603 

 2,558 

 830 

 - 

 6,729 

 3,991 

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

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Euros 
US Dollars 
Australian Dollars 
New Zealand Dollars 
Other 

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

 38,256 
 5,397 
 1,880 
 676 
 1,121 

2011 
 £000 

 7,775 
 1,479 
 197 
 850 
 144 

2012 
 £000 

 198 
 220 
 - 
 - 
 - 

2011 
 £000 

 41 
 469 
 - 
 - 
 - 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 86/87

23.  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  
28 January 2012.

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. Interest rate hedging has not been put in place on the current 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 the inherent short 
term nature of both the revolving credit facility and working capital facility. This position is reviewed regularly, along with the level of 
facility required.

The Group has potential bank floating rate financial liabilities on the £75,000,000 committed bank facility, together with overdraft 

facilities in subsidiary companies (see note 22). At 28 January 2012 £nil was drawdown from the committed bank facility (2011: £nil). 
When drawdowns are made, the Group is exposed to cash flow interest risk with interest paid at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% 
(2011 (previous facility): 0.75%).

As at 28 January 2012 the Group has liabilities of £660,000 (2011: £nil), 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 £37,000 (2011: £24,000) and would change equity by £37,000 (2011: £24,000). 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 actually starts to appear in the 
stores) 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 28 January 2012, options have been entered into to protect approximately 97% of the US Dollar requirement for the period to 
January 2013. The balance of the US Dollar requirement for the period will be satisfied at spot rates. Hedge accounting is not applied.

As at 28 January 2012, the fair value of these instruments was an asset of £30,000 (2011: liability of £789,000) which has been included 

within current assets (2011: current liabilities). A gain of £1,018,000 (2011: 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

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

 515 

(13)

 13 

 4 

(61)

 458 

 179 

 693 

(2)

 3 

 23 

 896 

2012 
 £000 

 4,675 

(240)

(177)

 271 

(100)

 4,429 

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:

                        Profit before tax

               Equity

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

New Zealand Dollars 

Other 

 630 

(4)

 16 

 1 

(74)

 569 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

2012 
 £000 

 5,714 

(293)

(216)

 332 

(122)

2011 
 £000 

 219 

 848 

(2)

 3 

 28 

 219 

 848 

(2)

 3 

 28 

 1,096 

 5,415 

 1,096 

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

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

23.  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 20). 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 £54,147,000 (2011: 

£37,105,000), cash and cash equivalents of £67,024,000 (2011: £90,131,000), deposits of £2,030,000 (2011: £779,000) and key money of 
£9,517,000 (2011: £8,419,000).

The Company has provided guarantees on banking facilities entered into by Chausport SA, Canterbury International (Australia) Pty 

Limited and Champion Sports (Holdings) totalling €5,000,000, AUD$3,000,000 and a maximum of €3,000,000 respectively. As at 28 
January 2012, these facilities were drawn down by £1,648,000 (2011: £2,586,000). The Company has also provided a guarantee on the 
finance lease facility in relation to the acquisition of Champion Sports (Holdings) up to a maximum of €2,500,000. In addition, the 
syndicated committed £75,000,000 bank facility, which was in place as at 28 January 2012, encompassed cross guarantees between the 
Company, RD Scott Limited, Bank Fashion Limited, Topgrade Sportswear Limited, Nicholas Deakins Limited, Canterbury Limited, 
Canterbury of New Zealand Limited and Focus International Limited to the extent to which any of these companies were overdrawn. As 
at 28 January 2012, these facilities were drawn down by £nil (2011: £nil).

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 22.

As at 28 January 2012, there are committed facilities with a maturity profile as follows:

Expiring in less than one year 

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

The commitment fee on these facilities is 0.56% (2011: 0.34%).

Fair values

2012 
 £000

2011 
 £000

 - 

 70,000 

 75,000 

 - 

 75,000 

 70,000 

The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 28 January 2012 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 

Trade and other payables - non-current 

Note

 20 

 21 

 22 

 22 

 24 

 24 

                         GROUP 
Carrying 
amount 
2012 
 £000 

Fair value 
2012 
 £000 

 54,147 

 67,024 

(5,547)

(1,182)

(196,052)

(36,149)

 54,147 

 67,024 

(5,547)

(1,182)

(196,052)

(36,149)

                           COMPANY 

Carrying 
amount 
2012 
 £000 

 123,953 

 28,762 

 -   

 -   

(95,077)

(28,440)

Fair value 
2012 
 £000 

 123,953 

 28,762 

 -   

 -   

(95,077)

(28,440)

(117,759)

(117,759)

 29,198 

 29,198 

Unrecognised gains/(losses) 

 -   

 -   

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 88/89

23.  Financial instruments (continued) 

Fair values (continued)

The comparatives 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 
Trade and other payables - non-current 

                         GROUP 
Carrying 
amount 
2011 
 £000 

Fair value 
2011 
 £000 

 37,105 
 90,131 
(2,874)
(1,117)
(128,445)
(28,782)

 37,105 
 90,131 
(2,874)
(1,117)
(128,445)
(28,782)

                           COMPANY 

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 

Note

 20 
 21 
 22 
 22 
 24 
 24 

Unrecognised gains/(losses) 

 -   

 -   

In the opinion of the Board, the fair value of the Group's financial assets and liabilities as at 28 January 2012 and 29 January 2011 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 28 January 2012, the Group held the following financial instruments carried at fair value on the Statement of Financial Position:

•  Foreign exchange forward contracts - non-hedged

•  Put options held by non-controlling interests

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 28 January 2012

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged  

Other financial liabilities 
Put options held by non-controlling interests 

At 29 January 2011

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 
Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged  

Other financial liabilities 
Put options held by non-controlling interests 

Carrying 
amount 
 £000 

 30 

(4,094)

Carrying 
amount 
 £000 

(789)

(1,769)

Level 1 
 £000 

Level 2 
 £000 

Level 3 
 £000 

 -   

 -   

 30 

 -   

 -   

(4,094)

Level 1 
 £000 

Level 2 
 £000 

Level 3 
 £000 

 -   

 -   

(789)

 -   

 -   

(1,769)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

24.  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 

                         GROUP 

                           COMPANY 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

2012 
 £000 

2011 
 £000 

 93,305 
 79,808 
 22,939 

 56,297 
 54,103 
 18,045 

 48,109 
 36,899 
 10,069 

 40,777 
 34,627 
 10,116 

 196,052 

 128,445 

 95,077 

 85,520 

 36,149 
 - 

 28,782 
 - 

 21,858 
 6,582 

 17,788 
 6,582 

 36,149 

 28,782 

 28,440 

 24,370 

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 28 January 2012 and is included within 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 or be required to 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 28 January 2012, 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 12.2% (2011: 14.9%), which is pre-tax and reflects the current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the specific risks applicable to the liability.  A liability of £2,961,000 has been recognised (2011: £1,202,000), 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 or be required to 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 28 January 2012, 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 12.2% (2011: 14.9%), which is pre-tax and reflects the current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the specific risks applicable to the liability. The present value of this option has been assessed as £nil as at 28 
January 2012 (2011: £nil).  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 transaction, 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 28 January 2012, 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 12.2% (2011: 14.9%), which is pre-tax and reflects the current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the specific risks applicable to the liability. A liability of £1,133,000 (2011: £567,000) has been recognised, with a 
corresponding debit to other equity.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 90/91

25.  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. A specific pre-tax discount rate will be used for each provision which reflects the current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the specific risks applicable to the liability.

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 29 January 2011

Provisions created during the period

Provisions released during the period

Provisions acquired during the period

Provisions utilised during the period

Onerous
property leases
 £000 

Onerous
contracts
 £000 

 8,734 

 3,755 

(2,166)

 2,379 

(2,920)

 294 

 -   

 -   

 -   

(294)

Total
 £000 

 9,028 

 3,755 

(2,166)

 2,379 

(3,214)

Balance at 28 January 2012

 9,782 

 -   

 9,782 

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

GROUP 

Current 

Non-current 

COMPANY 

Balance at 29 January 2011

Provisions created during the period

Provisions released during the period

Provisions utilised during the period

Balance at 28 January 2012

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

COMPANY 

Current 

Non-current 

2012 
 £000 

 3,375 

 6,407 

2011 
 £000 

 2,591 

 6,437 

 9,782 

 9,028 

Onerous
property leases
 £000 

 5,992 

 3,009 

(708)

(1,881)

 6,412 

2011 
 £000 

 1,920 

 4,072 

2012 
 £000 

 2,404 

 4,008 

 6,412 

 5,992 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

26.  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 
2012 
£000

 -   

 -   

 -   

(4,977)

Assets 
2011 
£000

Liabilities 
2012 
£000

Liabilities 
2011 
£000

(626)

 -   

 -   

(709)

 836 

 297 

 4,856 

 -   

 -   

 320 

 890 

 -   

Net 
2012 
£000

 836 

 297 

 4,856 

(4,977)

Tax (assets)/liabilities 

(4,977)

(1,335)

 5,989 

 1,210 

 1,012 

Net 
2011 
£000

(626)

 320 

 890 

(709)

(125)

Deferred tax assets on losses of AUS $nil (2011: AUS $9,276,000) within Canterbury International (Australia) Pty Limited and losses of 
£4,629,000 (2011: £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

GROUP 

Balance at 30 January 2010 

Recognised in income 

Balance at 29 January 2011 

Recognised on acquisition

Recognised in income

Property, plant
and equipment
£000

Chargeable 
gains held over/
rolled over
£000

 General 
accruals 
£000

Tax losses 
£000

 330 

(956)

(626)

 1,227 

 235 

 332 

(12)

 320 

 -   

(23)

 810 

 80 

 890 

 2,372 

 1,594 

(724)

 15 

(709)

(742)

(3,526)

Total 
£000

 748 

(873)

(125)

 2,857 

(1,720)

Balance at 28 January 2012 

 836 

 297 

 4,856 

(4,977)

 1,012 

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 

Assets 
2012 
£000

Assets 
2011 
£000

Liabilities 
2012 
£000

Liabilities 
2011 
£000

Net 
2012 
£000

Net 
2011 
£000

 -   

(331)

 355 

 -   

 355 

(331)

 -   

(959)

 -   

(1,071)

 297 

 -   

 320 

 -   

 297 

(959)

 320 

(1,071)

Tax (assets)/liabilities 

(959)

(1,402)

 652 

 320 

(307)

(1,082)

Movement in deferred tax during the period

COMPANY 

 Balance at 30 January 2010 

 Recognised in income 

 Balance at 29 January 2011 

 Recognised in income 

 Balance at 28 January 2012 

Property, plant 
and equipment
£000

Chargeable 
gains held over/
rolled over
£000

(95)

(236)

(331)

 686   

355

 332 

(12)

 320 

(23)

 297 

General 
accruals
£000

(847)

(224)

(1,071)

 112 

Total
£000

(610)

(472)

(1,082)

 775 

(959)

(307)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 92/93

26.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)
At 28 January 2012, the Group has no recognised deferred income tax liability (2011: £nil) in respect of taxes that would be payable on  
the unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries. As at 28 January 2012, the unrecognised gross temporary differences in respect of 
reserves of overseas subsidiaries is £13,950,000 (2011: £3,034,000). 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. 

27.  Capital

Issued ordinary share capital

GROUP AND COMPANY 

Number of
ordinary shares
thousands

Ordinary
share capital
£000

At 29 January 2011 and 28 January 2012 

 48,662

 2,433

The total number of authorised ordinary shares was 62,150,000 (2011: 62,150,000) with a par value of 5p per share (2011: 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 processes for managing the Group's capital levels are that the Board regularly monitors the net 
cash/debt in the business, the working capital requirements and forecasts cash flows.  Based on this analysis, the Board determines the 
appropriate return to equity holders while ensuring sufficient capital is retained in the business to meet its strategic objectives. 

The Board consider the capital of the Group as the net cash/debt at the year end (see note 31) and the Board review the gearing 
position of the Group which as at 28 January 2012 was zero (2011: 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 39. 

28.  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
28 January 2012
£000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

21.20p per ordinary share (2011: 19.20p)

 10,316 

 9,343 

Dividends on issued ordinary share capital 

Final dividend of 19.20p (2011: 14.70p) per qualifying ordinary share paid in respect of prior 
period, but not recognised as a liability in that period 

Interim dividend of 4.10p (2011: 3.80p) per qualifying ordinary share paid in respect of  
current period 

52 weeks to
28 January 2012
£000

52 weeks to
29 January 2011
£000

 9,343 

1,995

 11,338 

 7,153 

1,849

 9,002 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

29.  Commitments

Group 
(i) 

Capital commitments

As at 28 January 2012, the Group had entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

GROUP 

Contracted 

2012
 £000 

5,672

2011 
 £000 

9,772

Included in the commitments at 28 January 2012 is £700,000 (2011: £6,500,000) for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for 

the new warehouse which is substantially complete and will be brought into full operation by Summer 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
2012
£000

 95,406 

 293,790 

 281,191 

Plant and
equipment
2012
£000

 1,297 

 1,134 

 -   

Land and
buildings
2011
£000

 78,644 

 258,483 

 238,698 

Plant and
equipment
2011
£000

 1,142 

 935 

 -   

 670,387 

 2,431 

 575,825 

 2,077 

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 28 January 2012 are  
as follows:

GROUP 

Within one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

After five years 

2012  
£000 

 352 

 533 

 320 

 1,205 

2011 
£000 

 507 

 1,154 

 1,376 

 3,037 

Company 
(i) Capital commitments

As at 28 January 2012, the Company had entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

COMPANY 

Contracted 

2012  
£000 

2011 
£000 

 2,534 

 8,015 

Included in the commitments at 28 January 2012 is £700,000 (2011: £6,500,000) for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for 

the new warehouse which is substantially complete and will be brought into full operation by Summer 2012.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 94/95

29.  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
2012
£000

 59,265 

 186,423 

 180,895 

Plant and
equipment
2012
£000

 990 

 875 

 -   

Land and
buildings
2011
£000

 59,581 

 193,267 

 193,930 

Plant and
equipment
2011
£000

 934 

 753 

 -   

 426,583 

 1,865 

 446,778 

 1,687 

(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 28 January 2012 
are as follows:

COMPANY 

Within one year 

Later than one year and not later than five years 

After five years 

2012
 £000 

 534 

 1,429 

 1,661 

2011
 £000 

 428 

 1,099 

 1,376 

 3,624 

 2,903 

30.  Pension schemes
The Group only operates defined contribution pension schemes. The pension charge for the period represents contributions payable by 
the Group of £1,367,000 (2011: £1,154,000) in respect of employees, and £49,000 (2011: £47,000) in respect of Directors. The amount owed to 
the schemes at the period end was £181,000 (2011: £63,000).

31.  Analysis of net cash

GROUP 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Overdrafts 

 At 29 January 2011 
 £000 

On acquisition of 
subsidiaries 
 £000 

 Cash flow 
 £000 

 At 28 January 2012
 £000 

 90,131 

(2,586)

 4,019 

(3,326)

(27,126)

 499 

 67,024 

(5,413)

Cash and cash equivalents 

 87,545 

 693 

(26,627)

 61,611 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Bank loans 

Finance lease liabilities 

Other loans 

(575)

 -   

(830)

(16,006)

(2,119)

 -   

 16,292 

 1,459 

 463 

(289)

(660)

(367)

 86,140 

(17,432)

(8,413)

 60,295 

COMPANY 

 At 29 January 2011 
 £000 

 Cash flow 
 £000 

 At 28 January 2012
 £000 

Cash at bank and in hand 

 81,204 

(52,442)

 28,762 

Cash and cash equivalents 

 81,204 

(52,442)

 28,762 

  
  
  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

32.  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

GROUP

Focus Brands Limited

Purchase of inventory

Interest income

Rental income

Royalty income

Income from 
related parties
2012  
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
2012
£000

Income from  
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
2011
£000

 7 

 -   

 -   

 203 

 -   

(13,672)

(282)

 -   

 440 

 -   

 -   

 264 

 -   

(13,306)

(104)

 -   

Income from 
related parties 
30 January to  
15 February 2011  
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
30 January to  
15 February 2011
£000

Income from  
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
2011
£000

 -   

 17 

 -   

 49 

(1,489)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1 

 308 

 480 

(12,201)

 -   

 -   

 -   

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

Other receivables

Trade payables

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2012
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2012 
£000

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2011
£000

 58 

(1,773)

 21 

(1,226)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 273 

 - 

 - 

(3,154)

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

COMPANY

Focus Brands Limited

Purchase of inventory

Interest income

Rental income

Royalty income

Income from 
related parties
2012
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2012
£000

Income from 
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2011
£000

 -   

 216 

(8,792)

 -   

 -   

 236 

(10,821)

 -   

Income from 
related parties 
30 January to  
15 February 2011  
£000

Expenditure with
related parties
30 January to  
15 February 2011 
£000

Income from 
related parties
2011
£000

Expenditure with 
related parties
2011
£000

 -   

 -   

 17 

 -   

(395)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 1 

 308 

 480 

(4,218)

 -   

 -   

 -   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 96/97

32.  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

Other receivables

Trade payables

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2012
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2012
£0 00

Amounts owed by 
related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to 
related parties
2011
£000

 58 

(1,429)

 3 

(653)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 263 

 -   

 -   

(167)

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. JD Sports Fashion Plc owned 49% of the issued share capital of Focus Brands Limited up until 16 February 2011 when it acquired a 
further 31% for a cash consideration of £1,000,000 (see note 11). Focus Brands Limited became a subsidiary of the Group from this date 
rather than a jointly- controlled entity. 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).

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:

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

Focus Brands Limited

Purchase of inventory

Rental income

Royalty income

Amounts owed 
by related parties
2012  
£000

Amounts owed 
to related parties
2012
£000

Amounts owed 
by related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed 
to related parties
2011
£000

 -   

(252)

 -   

(238)

 148 

 44 

 7,259 

 728 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 146 

 57 

 6,782 

 1,769 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(71)

 -   

(67)

 22 

 -   

 379 

(858)

 11 

 92 

 -   

(291)

 -   

(162)

 -   

(166)

 -   

 110 

 -   

 183 

 242 

(5)

 -   

 1,198 

 77 

(3,562)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(208)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

32.  Related party transactions and balances (continued)

COMPANY (continued)

Kukri Sports Limited

Purchase of inventory

Interest income

Amounts owed 
by related parties
2012  
£000

Amounts owed 
to relate d parties
2012
£000

Amounts owed 
by related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed 
to related parties
2012
£000

 -   

 44 

(37)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

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

Income tax Group relief

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

Long term loan

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

Amounts owed  
by related parties
2012  
£000

Amounts owed  
to related parties
2012
£000

Amounts owed  
by related parties  
2011
£000

Amounts owed  
to related parties
2011
£000

 6,638 

 10,681 

 57 

 6,500 

 3,322 

-

 13,506 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 4,251 

 4,167 

 3,009 

 899 

 -   

 457 

 3,660 

 -   

 1,499 

 3,101 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(2)

 -   

 -   

(85)

 -   

(9)

(202)

(6,582)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(10)

(271)

 6,638 

 13,046 

 -   

 6,500 

 3,594 

-

 7,574 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 4,102 

 -   

 3,210 

 1,121 

 -   

 399 

 3,492 

 942 

 1,499 

 2,185 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

-

 -   

(12)

(167)

(6,582)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(4)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(2)

(44)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 98/99

32.  Related party transactions and balances (continued)

COMPANY (continued)

Nanny State Limited

Secured loan

Working capital loan

Income tax Group relief

Nicholas Deakins Limited

Trade receivables/(payables)

Other intercompany balances

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

Premium Fashion Limited

Long term loan

Working capital loan

Income tax Group relief

Champion Sports (Holdings)

Trade receivables

JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL

Trade receivables

Focus Brands Limited

Working capital loan

Other

Trade receivables/(payables)

Kukri Sports Limited

Long term loan

Long term loan (interest bearing)

Working capital loan

Trade receivables

Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited

Working capital loan

Long term loan

Trade receivables

Income tax Group relief

Amounts owed 
by related parties
2012  
£000

Amounts owed  
to related parties
2012
£000

Amounts owed by 
by related parties
2011
£000

Amounts owed to
to related parties
2011
£000

 494 

 631 

 -   

 95 

 71 

 5,047 

 64 

 -   

 8,188 

 92 

 -   

 1,598 

 574 

 -   

 106 

 10 

 3,302 

 29 

 142 

 180 

 2,444 

 490 

 184 

 3,820 

 20,000 

 57 

 -   

 -   

 -   

(31)

(30)

 -   

 -   

(60)

 -   

 -   

(3)

(112)

 -   

 -   

(369)

 -   

 -   

 -   

(1)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(1,474)

 472 

 620 

 -   

 57 

 106 

 6,833 

 6 

 -   

 6,328 

 255 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(4)

(11)

 -   

 -   

(57)

(247)

 -   

(867)

(98)

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

32.  Related party transactions 
and balances (continued)
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 loans to Chausport SA and 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. These loans are repayable on demand.

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 and Kukri Sports Limited which are not 
wholly owned subsidiaries. The loan to Topgrade Sportswear 
Limited attracts interest at the UK base rate plus a margin of 
1.0%. The loan to Kukri Sports Limited attracts interest at the UK 
base rate plus a margin of 2.0%. These loans are repayable on 
demand. 

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%. These loans 
are repayable on demand.

Other intercompany balances relates 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 (2011: £nil) and 

there are no balances outstanding (2011: £nil) with the other 
subsidiary undertakings of the Company, as listed in note 36. 
Other than the remuneration of Directors as shown in note 5 and 
in the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 50 there have 
been no other transactions with Directors in the year (2011: £nil)

33.  Contingent liabilities

The Company has provided the following guarantees:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Guarantee capped at £788,000 (2011: £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 €5,000,000 (2011: €3,000,000)

 Guarantee on the working capital facilities in Canterbury 
International (Australia) Pty Limited of AUD$3,000,000 
(2011: $nil)

 Guarantee on the finance lease facility in relation to the 
acquisition of Champion Sports (Holdings) up to a 
maximum of €2,500,000 (2011: €nil)

 Guarantee on the working capital facilities in Champion 
Sports (Holdings) up to a maximum of €3,000,000 (2011: 
€nil)

The Company formerly provided a guarantee on the working 

capital facilities in both Topgrade Sportswear Limited and 
Nicholas Deakins Limited of £2,000,000 and £600,000 
respectively. As at 28 January 2012, Topgrade Sportswear Limited 
and Nicholas Deakins Limited are encompassed in the 
syndicated committed £75,000,000 bank facility. In addition, the 
Company formerly provided a guarantee on the letter of credit 
facility in Canterbury (North America) LLC and Focus Brands 
Limited. The contingent liability varied depending on the value 
of the letters of credit outstanding at any point in time, but the 
maximum exposure on this guarantee was $550,000 and 
£1,000,000 respectively. 

34.  Subsequent events

Fly53   

On 2 February 2012, the Group acquired the trade and assets of 
the 'Fly53' brand, inventory and rights to 14 House of Fraser 
concession stores from Fly53 Limited and Sabotage Limited for a 
total cash consideration of £466,000.

Originals

On 14 March 2012, the Group acquired, via its subsidiary 
R.D. Scotts Limited, the trade and assets of seven stores trading 
as Originals and the head office along with the Originals name 
and inventory from Retailchic Limited for a total cash 
consideration of £150,000.

35.  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 £52,190,000 (2011: £47,045,000). 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.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 100/101

36.  Principal subsidiary undertakings
The following companies were the principal subsidiary undertakings of JD Sports Fashion Plc at 28 January 2012.

Place of 
registration

Nature of business 
and operation

Ownership 
interest

Voting 
rights 
interest

Name of subsidiary 

John David Sports Fashion (Ireland) Limited 

Ireland 

 Retailer of sports inspired footwear and apparel 

Athleisure Limited 

R.D. Scott Limited 

Pink Soda Limited 

Varsity Kit Limited* 

Bank Fashion Limited* 

Topgrade Sportswear Holdings Limited 

Topgrade Sportswear Limited* 

Nicholas Deakins Limited 

JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS 

Chausport SA* 

Spodis SA* 

Kooga Rugby Limited 

Canterbury Limited 

Canterbury of New Zealand Limited* 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

France 

France 

France 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Intermediate holding company 

Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 

Intermediate holding company 

Intermediate holding company 

Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 

Intermediate holding company 

Distributor and multichannel retailer of sports and 
fashion clothing and footwear 

Distributor of fashion footwear 

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 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 

Premium Fashion Limited 

Nanny State Limited 

Focus Brands Limited 

Focus International Limited* 

Kukri Sports Limited 

Kukri GB Limited* 

Kukri (Asia) Limited* 

Kukri NZ Limited* 

Kukri Sports Ireland Limited* 

Kukri Australia Pty Limited* 

Kukri Sports Canada Inc* 

Kukri USA Inc* 

Kukri Sports Spain SL* 

Frank Harrison Limited* 

Champion Sports (Holdings)*  

Champion Sports Ireland*  

JD Champion Ireland Limited 

Marathon Sports Limited* 

JD Sprinter Holdings 2010 SL 

JD Spain Sport Fashion 2010 SL* 

Sprinter Megacentros Del Deporte SLU* 

Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited 

*Indirect holding of the Company. 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Distributor of leisure wear and rugby apparel 

Licensor of a fashion brand 

Retailer of fashion clothing and footwear 

Distributor of fashion footwear and apparel 

Intermediate holding company 

Distributor of sports clothing and footwear 

Intermediate holding company 

 Distributor and retailer of sports clothing and acces-
sories 

Hong Kong 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

New Zealand 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

Ireland 

Australia 

Canada 

USA 

Spain 

UK 

Ireland 

Ireland 

Ireland 

UK 

Spain 

Spain 

Spain 

UK 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

Distributor of sports clothing and accessories 

Distributor and retailer of school clothing  

Intermediate holding company 

Retailer of sports and leisure goods 

Retailer of sports and leisure goods 

Retailer of sports and leisure goods 

Intermediate holding company 

Retailer of sports and leisure goods 

Retailer of sports and leisure goods 

Retailer of outdoor footwear, apparel and equipment 

A full list of subsidiary undertakings of JD Sports Fashion Plc can be obtained from Companies House.

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

51%

75%

100%

85%

100%

80%

80%

80%

80%

80%

60%

80%

66%

60%

80%

60%

72%

100%

100%

100%

100%

50.1%

65.1%

50.1%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

51%

75%

100%

85%

100%

80%

80%

80%

80%

80%

60%

80%

66%

60%

80%

60%

72%

100%

100%

100%

100%

50.1%

65.1%

50.1%

100%

Five Year Record

Consolidated Income Statement

53 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

52 weeks to
29 January 2012
£000

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Selling and distribution expenses - normal 

Selling and distribution expenses - exceptional 

 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)

 1,059,523 

(538,676)

 520,847 

(403,923)

(10,532)

Selling and distribution expenses 

(234,398)

(264,516)

(294,920)

(329,573)

(414,455)

Administrative expenses - normal 

Administrative expenses - exceptional 

(22,500)

 -   

(20,867)

(8,122)

(26,051)

 1,472 

(32,966)

(1,007)

(43,193)

 847 

Administrative expenses 

(22,500)

(28,989)

(24,579)

(33,973)

(42,346)

Other operating income 

 1,086 

 1,109 

 2,270 

 2,177 

 2,730 

Operating profit 

 35,615 

 38,150 

 62,308 

 75,643 

 66,776 

Before exceptional items 

Exceptional items 

 44,019 

(8,404)

 54,473 

(16,323)

 67,294 

(4,986)

 79,927 

(4,284)

 76,461 

(9,685)

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 

 35,615 

 38,150 

 62,308 

 75,643 

 66,776 

(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)

(102)

 1,170 

 1,068 

 646 

(1,048)

 67,442 

(18,093)

Profit for the period 

 23,587 

 24,510 

 42,746 

 55,867 

 49,349 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Attributable to non-controlling interest 

 23,549 

 38 

 24,379 

 131 

 42,900 

(154)

 55,884 

(17)

 46,847 

 2,502 

Basic earnings per ordinary share 

 48.79p 

 50.49p 

 88.16p 

 114.84p 

 96.27p 

Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share (i) 

 57.05p 

 72.33p 

 93.64p 

 116.86p 

 105.89p 

Dividends per ordinary share (ii) 

 8.50p 

 12.00p 

 18.00p 

 23.00p 

 25.30p 

(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.

Financial Calendar

Final Results Announced

Final Dividend Record Date

Financial Statements Published

Annual General Meeting

Final Dividend Payable

Interim Results Announced

Period End (53 Weeks)

Final Results Announced

 102/103

12 April 2012

4 May 2012

May 2012

20 June 2012

30 July 2012

 September 2012

02 February 2013

April 2013

Shareholder Information

Registered office

JD Sports Fashion Plc

Hollinsbrook Way

Pilsworth

Bury BL9 8RR

Financial advisers

and stockbrokers

Investec

2 Gresham Street

London EC2V 7QP

Principal bankers

Barclays Bank Plc

43 High Street

Sutton

Surrey SM1 1DR

Company number

Financial public relations

Registrars

Registered in England 

MHP Communications

Equiniti Limited

and Wales, 

Number 1888425

60 Great Portland Street

London W1W 7RT

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex BN99 6DA

Solicitors

DLA Piper UK LLP

Princes Exchange

Princes Square

Leeds LS1 4BY

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

100 Barbirolli Square

Manchester M2 3AB

Auditor

KPMG Audit Plc

St James’ Square

Manchester M2 6DS

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