29 March 2010

SPORTS DIRECT INTERNATIONAL PLC ("Sports Direct")

Statement re press comment 

Sports Direct notes yesterday''s press comment in relation to Blacks Leisure Group plc ("Blacks").

Sports Direct confirms that it approached the Blacks Board on 26 March and advised that it was seriously considering a material increase in the level of its indicative bid for Blacks. 

However, it also advised that it had become aware of indications to Blacks that some key suppliers would not supply Blacks if Sports Direct made a successful offer for Blacks.

In order for Sports Direct to determine the level of any increased offer, Sports Direct requested confirmation of, and the details underlying, any supplier indications to Blacks.   This information has not yet been provided by the Blacks Board.

Sports Direct continues to evaluate its position.

There can be no certainty that any offer will be forthcoming or as to the level of any offer