The Iberian Sports Retail Group (ISRG) is reshaping its footprint across Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands as a leading sports fashion distributor. The group operates Sprinter and related chains such as JD Sports, Sport Zone, and Deporvillege, building a broad network of nearly 500 retail points, including a growing online presence.
Minority investors, notably the Segarra family from Elche who helped launch Sprinter, and its Portuguese partners, have initiated a buy-or-sell exercise tied to the 2018 partnership agreement. British JD Sports and the Sonae group are weighing their options as the agreement allows minority holders to buy or sell shares at defined terms. The move signals a formal shift in the partnership dynamics and a potential restructuring of ownership stakes.
Both JD Sports and Sonae have informed regulators and shared their positions with the press, highlighting strategic differences about ISRG’s direction and long-term growth plan.
In its communication, the Portuguese company noted that the minority shareholders’ decision to exercise their option is part of a broader change in relations with JD Group, due to JD’s recent emphasis on retail development for sporting goods and fashion. This shift is expected to influence ISRG’s strategic choices and growth options.
From this point, negotiations begin with JD deciding which option to pursue. Sonae indicated that minority shareholders may exercise buy-or-sell rights at their discretion, under the terms previously set. The outcome is anticipated in the second half of the year.
Sprinter accelerates its growth and will open 28 stores in the coming period
The British multinational notes that the resolution could be achieved without ownership changes in the United States. The announcement accompanies JD’s stated plan to acquire the French group Courir, which operates 313 stores across several European markets, including 24 in Spain and five in Portugal. The deal is valued by the group at around 520 million euros.
In the same update, the British group confirms its intention to enforce the buy-or-sell provisions for minority partners in Spain and Portugal. It frames the ownership of its European subsidiaries as a step toward simplifying the group’s structure. JD Sports Fashion also notes that the remaining 20% stake in the German acquisition has been completed.
CEO Régis Schultz emphasized that gaining greater control over the long-term development of JD and prioritizing the JD brand is a solid move for Europe. He argued this approach would streamline decision-making and allow the efficient use of assets across the region.
Owner of Sprinter and Sport Zone is starting a new distribution giant
In 2011, JD acquired a 50.02% stake in Sprinter, a clothing and sporting goods retailer founded by the Segarra family in Elche. After rapid expansion, a 2017 joint venture with Portugal’s Sonae led to ISRG, consolidating the management of JD, Sport Zone, Deporvillege, Perry, and Aktie across Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Last year ISRG reported revenue of 1,257 million euros, marking a 40.7% increase and an EBITDA of 128 million euros. Recently, Sprinter opened its first megastore in Alcorcón and launched Deporvillege’s inaugural physical location.