Frasers Group

Sports Direct was founded by Mike Ashley in 1982 as a single store in Maidenhead trading under the name of "Mike Ashley Sports".{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsdirectplc.com/about-us/history.aspx|work=Sports Direct|title=History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205085514/http://www.sportsdirectplc.com/about-us/history.aspx|archive-date=5 February 2012|access-date=1 October 2016|date=2012|via=Wayback Machine}}{{cite news| url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article703400.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310190151/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article703400.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 March 2007 | work=The Times | title=Revealed UK's first sports kit billionaire | date=9 April 2006 | access-date=23 May 2010}}

In late November 2006, a number of business newspapers reported that Ashley was looking at an IPO of Sports World International. He hired Merrill Lynch, who valued the group at up to £2.5bn ahead of a possible flotation on the London Stock Exchange.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2006/12/10/cnsports10.xml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112021906/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2006/12/10/cnsports10.xml|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 November 2007|title=Personal finance – How to grow your wealth and spend less money |work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=21 March 2015}} The group debuted on the exchange on 27 February 2007.{{cite news |title=Sports Direct: timeline |work=The Guardian |date=24 July 2007 |access-date=7 November 2007 |url=http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2133708,00.html |location=London}}

By December 2006, Sports Direct had built up a 29.4% stake in Blacks Leisure Group, the owner of Millets.{{cite news| url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/ashley-empire-may-be-worth-pound25bn-09xvjn5nsv9 | work=The Times |title=Ashley empire may be worth 25bn | first=Jenny | last=Davey | date=10 December 2006 | access-date=23 May 2010}} In 2007 Ashley held talks with John Hargreaves, founder of Matalan on both taking a 25% stake in the troubled retail business and installing mezzanine floors in larger Matalan stores, on which SportsDirect.com outlets could be operated.{{cite news| url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article722598.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310171553/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article722598.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 March 2007 | work=The Times | title=Billionaire sports tycoon plots move into Matalan | first=Richard | last=Fletcher | date=21 May 2006 | access-date=23 May 2010}} In June 2007, the company acquired Everlast for £84 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2811245/Mike-Ashley-agrees-to-buy-Everlast.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2811245/Mike-Ashley-agrees-to-buy-Everlast.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mike Ashley agrees to buy Everlast|date=29 June 2007|publisher=The Telegraph|access-date=20 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}

By July 2008, Sports Direct was also holding a 12.3% holding in the John David Group, parent of JD Sports.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sports-direct-international.com/library/AnnualReport2008.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915233911/http://www.sports-direct-international.com/library/AnnualReport2008.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Annual Report 2008|archivedate=15 September 2008}} The stake amounted to 11.9% of JD Sports in November 2013. Sports Direct formerly held 5% of Amer Sports.{{cite news|url=http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2008/01/24/10414/sports-direct%E2%80%99s-ashley-rebuilds-amer-stake/|title=Sports Direct's Ashley rebuilds Amer stake|last=Robinson|first=Gwen|date=24 January 2008|work=Financial Times|access-date=27 August 2008}} In 2012 Sports Direct International purchased rival retailer JJB's brand name, website, 20 stores and all of their stock in a deal for approximately £24m. The deal saved around 550 jobs.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9579592/The-JJB-stores-Sports-Direct-has-bought.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9579592/The-JJB-stores-Sports-Direct-has-bought.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live

|title= The JJB stores Sports Direct has bought|date=1 October 2012|work=Daily Telegraph UK|access-date=19 December 2012|location=London}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/sep/27/sports-direct-deal-buy-jjb-sports-stores

|title= Sports Direct thrashes out deal to buy 60 JJB Sports stores|date=1 October 2012|work=Guardian UK|access-date=19 December 2012|location=London|first=Zoe|last=Wood}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19797170

|title= Sold JJB Sports stores inundated with shoppers|date=1 October 2012|work=BBC News

|access-date=19 December 2012 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/2200-jobs-go-in-jjb-sports-deal-8192909.html |title= 2,200 jobs go in JJB Sports deal |date=1 October 2012|work=The Independent|access-date=19 December 2012|location=London|first1=Jamie|last1=Grierson|first2=Holly|last2=Williams}}

In February 2013, after fashion retailer Republic went into administration, Sports Direct International bought 116 Republic stores, the brand name and the company's head office from the administrator for an undisclosed sum.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21617054|title=Republic fashion chain bought by Sports Direct|work=BBC News|date=28 February 2013|access-date=28 February 2013}} In July 2013, more than 2,000 full-time staff were awarded around £70,000 each under the company's bonus share scheme.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jul/18/sports-direct-staff-bonus-profits | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Simon | last=Neville | title=2,000 Sports Direct staff to receive £100,000 bonus after record profits | date=18 July 2013}} On 13 January 2014, Sports Direct bought 4.6% of Debenhams shares. The stock market purchase of 56.8 million shares (worth around £46m) was made without the prior knowledge of the Debenhams board. Sports Direct International stated at the time it intended to be a supportive share holder. The Debenhams board responded by stating they were open-minded with regard to exploring operational opportunities to improve its performance.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25709718|title= Sports Direct buys 4.6% Debenhams stake|publisher= BBC |date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1194228/sports-direct-nets-5-percent-stake-in-debenhams|title=Sports Direct nets 5% stake in Debenhams|publisher=Sky News |date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}} Sports Direct International sold its shares on 16 January 2014, although they took out an option to buy further shares up to a total of 6.6%.{{cite news |date=16 January 2014 |title=Sports Direct takes option on Debenhams stake |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25755832 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2014}}

In December 2016, Sports Direct International agreed to sell the remaining international rights to its Dunlop brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries for £112 million ($137.5 million).{{cite news|last1=Wood|first1=Zoe|title=Sports Direct sells Dunlop for $137m|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/27/sports-direct-sells-dunlop-for-137m|access-date=30 December 2016|work=The Guardian|date=27 December 2016}} Sumitomo already own the rights to the brand in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The sale was due to be completed by May 2017.{{cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Sarah|title=Pension expert call for scrutiny over Sports Direct sale of Dunlop|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/29/pension-experts-call-for-scrutiny-over-sports-direct-sale-of-dunlop-slazenger|access-date=30 December 2016|work=The Guardian|date=29 December 2016}} In July 2017, the company acquired a 26% stake in Game Digital.{{cite web|author=Julia Kollewe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/13/sports-direct-game-digital-mike-ashley-nintendo-switch |title=Sports Direct buys 26% stake in Game Digital | Business |work=The Guardian |date=13 July 2017 |access-date=14 July 2017}}

Between 2013 and 2014, ambulances were dispatched to Sports Direct HQ's facilities more than 80 times, including one concerning a woman who gave birth in the facility's bathroom.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/oct/05/ambulances-called-to-sports-direct-hq-more-than-80-times-in-two-years|title=Ambulances called to Sports Direct HQ more than 80 times in two years|first=Sean|last=Farrell|work=The Guardian|date=5 October 2015 |access-date=9 May 2016}} In October 2015, the chief executive of Sports Direct, David Forsey, was charged with a criminal offence for consultation failures over USC staff who only had 15 minutes notice of redundancy.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/oct/09/sports-direct-chief-executive-david-forsey-charged-usc-administration |title=Sports Direct chief executive charged over USC administration |first1=Simon|last1=Goodley|first2=Sarah|last2=Butler |newspaper=The Guardian |date=9 October 2015 |access-date=11 December 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://www.personneltoday.com/hr/company-directors-face-criminal-charges-over-redundancy-consultation-rules/ |title=Company directors face criminal charges over redundancies |first=Noel|last=O'Reilly |newspaper=Personnel Today |date=21 October 2015 |access-date=11 December 2015}} In December 2015, an investigation by The Guardian found that the company fines staff for late clocking on, does not award overtime for late clocking off, relies on zero hour contracts, and regularly makes staff wait unpaid for a security check at the end of shifts. A union official suggested that these practices were illegal as they brought workers' earnings below the minimum wage. The company responded by saying there were unspecified inaccuracies in the reports.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/dec/09/how-sports-direct-effectively-pays-below-minimum-wage-pay|title=Revealed: how Sports Direct effectively pays below minimum wage|date=9 December 2015|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 December 2015}} A representative from the charity ShareAction claimed that workers are "jeopardising their health" for fear of being dismissed while another shareholder said the company's reputation as an employer was "atrocious".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/09/sports-direct-investors-revolt-against-chairman-and-pay-policy|title=Sports Direct denies 'Dickensian practices' in face of investor revolt|first=Graham|last=Ruddick|work=The Guardian|date=9 September 2015 |access-date=9 May 2016}}

Late in December 2015, Sports Direct announced a 15 pence per hour increase for staff currently receiving less than minimum wage, taking them above minimum wage,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/dec/31/mike-ashley-10m-pay-all-sports-direct-staff-above-minimum-wage|title=Sports Direct's Mike Ashley promises £10m to pay staff above minimum wage|author=Graham Ruddick|work=The Guardian|date=31 December 2015 }} the annual cost of this was said in the announcement to be ~£10 Million (GBP); however it was immediately noted that £0.15p × 37.5 hours × 19,000 staff × 52 weeks = 5,557,500 (~£5.5 million), this and other factors resulted in many (including Unite) calling it a "PR Stunt".{{cite web|url=http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/sports-direct-accused-of-yet-another-pr-stunt-to-distract-from-victorian-work-practices/|title=Sports Direct accused of yet another 'PR stunt' to distract from 'Victorian' work practices|work=Unite|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102183222/http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/sports-direct-accused-of-yet-another-pr-stunt-to-distract-from-victorian-work-practices/|archive-date=2 January 2016|url-status=dead}} Workers on zero-hours contracts are not included in the rise and neither are those already paid more than minimum wage (management/supervisors etc.) therefore the 19,000 staff above is actually substantially fewer.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/sports-directs-mike-ashley-agrees-to-pay-staff-national-minimum-wage-from-2016/ar-BBo4LJI?ocid=spartandhp|title=Sports Direct's Mike Ashley agrees to pay staff national minimum wage from 2016|work=MSN|access-date=18 March 2016}}

In August 2016, Sports Direct Int. admitted breaking the law and agreed to disburse unlawfully withheld wages totalling about £1m to the affected workers.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/15/sports-direct-staff-to-receive-back-pay-unite-hmrc|title=Sports Direct warehouse workers to receive back pay|first=Simon|last=Goodley|date=15 August 2016|access-date=15 August 2016|work=The Guardian}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-37085244|title=Sports Direct 'to back-pay Derbyshire workers £1m'|work=BBC News|date=15 August 2016 |access-date=15 August 2016}} As of March 2017, some Sports Direct workers were yet to receive backpay for their time worked, because of a disagreement regarding how contracts changing between employment agencies should be handled.{{cite web|author=Simon Goodley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/28/sports-direct-workers-yet-to-receive-backpay-transline-mps-told |title=Sports Direct workers paid less than minimum wage yet to get back pay | Business |work=The Guardian |date=28 March 2017 |access-date=21 April 2017}} In November 2016, six MPs from the Business and Skills Committee visited Sports Direct, and reported that while there, Sports Direct attempted to place them under surveillance.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37899067|title=Sports Direct 'bugged' our visit to Shirebrook warehouse, say MPs|work=BBC News |date=7 November 2016 |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=7 November 2016}} In February 2017, it was reported that Sports Direct had failed to inform its workforce of a data breach of their personal information after an attacker gained access to its internal systems in September 2016. The Information Commissioner's Office stated it was aware of "an incident from 2016 involving Sports Direct" and would "be making enquiries."{{Cite news|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/08/sports_direct_fails_to_inform_staff_over_hack_and_data_breach/|title=Sports Direct hacked last year, and still hasn't told its staff of data breach|first=Alexander J.|last=Martin|date=8 February 2017|work=The Register|access-date=12 February 2017}}

The company announced on 16 December 2019 that it would change its name from Sports Direct International plc to Frasers Group plc effective from 17 December 2019.{{cite web|author=Elias Jahshan |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2019/11/sports-direct-international-will-soon-rebrand-to-frasers-group/ |title=Sports Direct will soon rebrand to Frasers Group |publisher=Retail Gazette |date=2019-11-25 |access-date=2019-12-19}}

It was announced in September 2021 that Michael Murray was to be the incoming CEO of Frasers Group, taking over Ashley's role, in May 2022.{{Cite news|title=Frasers: New boss of Sports Direct group could net £100m|work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58736799|date=29 September 2021|access-date=14 February 2022}}

File:Sports Direct International plc Logo.png

In July 2022, chief operating officer David Al-Mudallal announced in a memo that the company will stop allowing its office staff to work from home on Fridays, as had been practice for the last few years. The reason behind this decision was that many workers did not take working from home seriously enough and were often non-contactable.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62175875 | title=Sports Direct owner Frasers Group scraps home working | date=15 July 2022 | publisher =BBC News |access-date=16 July 2022}}

In September 2024, the company opened a new concept store Frasers replacing the outgoing House of Fraser brand in Sheffield which includes a Sports Direct, USC, Game, Evans Cycles and Sofa.com. {{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=2024-09-25 |title=Frasers: How the 'next-gen' department store is replacing House of Fraser - Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/09/house-of-frasers-whats-next/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |language=en-GB}}

File:Frasers Plus logo.webp

In 2023, Frasers Group CEO Michael Murray announced the group would launch a flexible payment service called Frasers Plus. The service would allow customers to buy now, pay later and earn points for paying through the service.{{Cite web |last=Sarmiento |first=Alicia Reyes |date=2023-04-27 |title=Frasers Group to launch 'Frasers Plus', the new Amazon Prime? |url=https://fashionunited.uk/news/retail/frasers-group-to-launch-frasers-plus-the-new-amazon-prime/2023042769235 |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=FashionUnited |language=en}}

The service is provided using technology developed by fintech startup Tymit and credit provided by Frasers Group Financial Services Limited.{{Cite web |title=Frasers Plus {{!}} Pay in 3 and Earn Rewards When You Shop |url=https://frasersplus.tymit.com/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=frasersplus.tymit.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=AltFi |date=2023-01-31 |title=Frasers Group launches new BNPL product with Tymit |url=https://www.altfi.com/article/10357_frasers-group-launches-new-bnpl-product-with-tymit |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=AltFi |language=en}}

Frasers Plus is available in the United Kingdom and can be used in store and online at retailers such as House of Fraser, USC, Flannels, Jack Wills, Sports Direct, Myprotein and more.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Sophie |date=2023-01-30 |title=Frasers Group launches new Buy Now, Pay Later app |url=https://www.theindustry.fashion/frasers-group-launches-new-buy-now-pay-later-app/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=TheIndustry.fashion |language=en-GB}}

In February 2004, the company acquired Dunlop Slazenger for around £40 million, which included the Dunlop, Slazenger and Carlton brands.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2876059/Game-set-and-match-for-Dunlop-Slazenger.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2876059/Game-set-and-match-for-Dunlop-Slazenger.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Game, set and match for Dunlop Slazenger|date=5 February 2004|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|access-date=23 September 2008|first1=Alistair|last1=Osborne}}{{cbignore}}

The brands themselves are an increasingly important part of the business, and Sports World International made £10 million, from selling the intellectual-property rights to the Slazenger Golf brand to arch-rival JJB in 2005.

In 2016, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a global tyre, sports goods, and industrial rubber products manufacturing company based in Kobe, Japan, filed for regulatory approval before the Philippine Competition Commission in connection with its planned acquisition of Dunlop-related wholesale, manufacturing, and licensing business from Sports Direct International.{{cite web|url=http://phcc.gov.ph/commission-decision-no-06-m-0772016-acquisition-sumitomorubber-dunlopbrands/|title=Commission Decision No. 06-M-077/2016: Acquisition by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. of Shares in Dunlop Brands Limited, et al. and Assets Owned by Dunlop Sports Group Americas, Inc. - Philippine Competition Commission|website=phcc.gov.ph|language=en-US|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328100258/http://phcc.gov.ph/commission-decision-no-06-m-0772016-acquisition-sumitomorubber-dunlopbrands/|url-status=dead}}

Sumitomo Rubber intended to acquire the entire issued share capital of Dunlop Brands Limited, Dunlop Slazenger 1902 Limited, and Dunlop Australia Limited, and the Dunlop-related business of Dunlop Sports Group Americas, Inc. which are subsidiaries of Sports World International.The Philippine Competition Commission approved the regulatory filing for the said acquisition. The acquisition allowed Sumitomo Rubber to consolidate the Dunlop brand across various products including sports goods worldwide.

In March 2004, Sports World International acquired outdoor gear manufacturer Karrimor for a reported £5 million.{{cite news |last=Osborne |first=Alistair |date=3 March 2004 |title=Ashley slips Karrimor brand in his rucksack |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2878761/Ashley-slips-Karrimor-brand-in-his-rucksack.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2878761/Ashley-slips-Karrimor-brand-in-his-rucksack.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}}

In August 2005, Sports World International took a £9 million stake and signed a lucrative long-term deal in with troubled brand Umbro,{{cite news |date=17 July 2005 |title=Sports World tycoon mulls bid for Umbro |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article544722.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310190141/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article544722.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 March 2007 |url-access=subscription |access-date=7 November 2007 |work=The Times}} which was subsequently sold to Nike.{{cite web |date=24 October 2007 |title=US giant Nike buys the Umbro diamonds |url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/companies/retail/us-giant-nike-buys-the-umbro-diamonds-1-696559 |access-date=20 November 2016 |publisher=The Scotsman}}{{cite news |last=Kollewe |first=Julia |date=8 August 2005 |title=Sports World tycoon mulls bid for Umbro |url=http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article304528.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111173704/http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article304528.ece |archive-date=11 January 2008 |access-date=23 May 2010 |work=The Independent |location=London}}

In 2006, Sports World International acquired Kangol for an estimated £12 million.{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=5 December 2006 |title=Sports World owner sees right fit for Kangol hats |url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/industries/retailing/article2188822.ece |access-date=29 October 2015 |work=The Times}}

In 2012, JJB Sports fell into administration and it was announced that Sports Direct International had purchased parts of the sports good retailers assets including 20 stores, the brand, and its website for £28.3 million.

In July 2012, Sports Direct International purchased a 51% stake in retailer Flannels.{{Cite web |last=News. |first=Manchester Evening |date=2012-07-13 |title=Sports Direct acquires Flannels chain |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/markets/sports-direct-acquires-flannels-chain-1233859 |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}

In February 2013, Republic entered administration, and was purchased by Sports Direct International. Republic was merged into Sports Direct's USC brand.{{cite news | title=Republic chain enters administration | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21442301 | work=BBC News | date=13 February 2013 | accessdate=13 February 2013}}

On 10 August 2018, the House of Fraser entered administration. Later that day, Sports Direct International agreed to buy all House of Fraser UK stores, the House of Fraser brand, and all of the stock in the business for £90 million in cash. Prior to the company entering administration, Sports Direct's Mike Ashley held an 11% stake in the company.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/10/house-of-fraser-calls-in-administrators-as-rescue-talks-fail|title=House of Fraser bought by Mike Ashley's Sports Direct for £90m|date=10 August 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 August 2018|language=en-GB}}

On 30 October 2018, Evans Cycles was purchased by Sports Direct International in a pre-pack administration deal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/evans-cycles-sports-direct-mike-ashley-administration-a8609136.html|title=Evans Cycles sold to Mike Ashley's Sports Direct as part of pre-pack administration|date=30 October 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=30 October 2018|language=en-GB}}

In February 2019, the group acquired Sofa.com for a nominal sum.{{cite web|url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2019/02/mike-ashley-buys-sofa-com-nominal-sum/ |title=Mike Ashley buys Sofa.com for "nominal sum"|publisher=Retail Gazette|date=1 February 2019}}

On 5 August 2019, Sports Direct International purchased Jack Wills out of administration for £12.7 million after winning a competition against Edinburgh Woollen Mill.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49241307|title=Mike Ashley wins race to buy Jack Wills|date=5 August 2019|work=BBC|access-date=5 August 2019|language=en-GB}}

On 24 August 2020, it was announced that Frasers Group would buy "certain" assets from DW Sports Fitness for £37m, but would not be using the firm's brand name.{{Cite news|date=2020-08-24|title=Mike Ashley buys long-time rival's sports business|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53886990|access-date=2020-08-24}} Also in August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley threatened landlords with House of Fraser store closures.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-20|title=House of Fraser owner threatens landlords with store closures over rent|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/20/house-of-fraser-owner-threatens-landlords-with-store-closures-over-rent-frasers-group-brexit-covid-19|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

In December 2020, Debenhams announced it was going into liquidation, putting 12,000 jobs in 124 UK stores at risk unless the administrators could find buyers for all or parts of the business. Frasers Group was reported to be in talks to acquire Debenhams,{{cite news |last1=Fildes |first1=Nic |title=Mike Ashley makes eleventh-hour play for Debenhams |url=https://www.ft.com/content/53ee5f14-a4e6-42d4-8d8f-3d37b8f5a290 |access-date=9 December 2020 |work=Financial Times |date=6 December 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Nazir |first1=Sahar |title=How can Mike Ashley's Frasers Group revive Debenhams? - Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/12/how-can-mike-ashley-frasers-group-revive-debenhams/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=9 December 2020 |date=8 December 2020 }}{{Cite news|last=Kollewe|first=Julia|date=7 December 2020|title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group in talks to buy collapsed Debenhams|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/07/mike-ashley-frasers-group-buy-debenhams-ted-baker|access-date=9 December 2020}} though it was later reported that Ashley was mainly interested in using empty Debenhams stores to expand his other chains, including House of Fraser, Sports Direct and Flannels; taking 'vacant possession' would avoid redundancy costs for existing staff.{{cite news |last1=Szajna-Hopgood |first1=Ava |title=Debenhams gift cards expire as Mike Ashley considers empty stores |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/12/debenhams-gift-cards-expire-as-mike-ashley-considers-empty-stores/ |access-date=21 December 2020 |work=Retail Gazette |date=21 December 2020}}

In January 2021, it was announced that the Jenners House of Fraser store in Edinburgh was closing for good and 200 jobs would be lost.{{Cite news|date=2021-01-25|title=Jenners: Building's owner says store 'will remain' despite Frasers move|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-55796806|access-date=2021-04-22}} In February, Frasers offloaded their 25% stake in French Connection.{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2021-02-08 |title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group sells stake in French Connection |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/feb/08/mike-ashley-frasers-group-sells-stake-in-french-connection |access-date=2024-09-30 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

In April 2021, the group announced it had doubled the hit it expects to take from the coronavirus pandemic to £200 million.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-09|title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group doubles hit it expects from Covid to £200m|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/09/mike-ashley-frasers-group-doubles-hit-it-expects-from-covid|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

In February 2022, the group announced it had purchased some of the assets of the Studio Retail Group from administration.{{Cite web|url=https://internetretailing.net/industry/industry/frasers-group-buys-studio-retail-out-of-administration-for-27m-24459|title=Frasers Group buys Studio Retail out of administration for £27m|website=InternetRetailing|date=25 February 2022 }} In May, Fraser's sold their stakes in Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports.{{Cite web |last=WW |first=FashionNetwork com |title=Fraser's sells US-based Bobs and Eastern Mountain Sports |url=https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Fraser-s-sells-us-based-bobs-and-eastern-mountain-sports,1409297.html |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=FashionNetwork.com |date=26 May 2022 |language=en-WW}}

On 1 June 2022, it was revealed that the group had bought the intellectual property of Missguided and its sister brand Mennace for about £20 million, after they went into administration the previous day.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-01 |title=Frasers buys online retailer Missguided for £20m |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0601/1302365-frasers-buys-missguided/ |language=en | website = rte.ie }}

In November 2022, it was announced Frasers Group had acquired one of London's oldest bespoke tailors, Gieves & Hawkes.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-24 |title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group buys London tailor Gieves & Hawkes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/nov/24/mike-ashleys-frasers-group-buys-london-tailor-gieves-hawkes |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}

In June 2023, it was announced that the Frasers Group had acquired a stake of 9% in ASOS, 9% in Currys and 5% in Boohoo.com. It had also acquired a stake of 21% in AO World. These holdings increased during the year.{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2023-06-06 |title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group raises stake in Asos to nearly 9% |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/06/mike-ashleys-frasers-group-raises-stake-in-asos-to-nearly-9 |access-date=2023-06-12 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Georgia |date=2023-06-20 |title=Frasers makes strategic investment in Boohoo and Currys - Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/06/frasers-strategic-investment-boohoo-and-currys/ |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=www.retailgazette.co.uk |language=en-GB}}

In December 2023, the Group acquired Matches Fashion, a luxury ecommerce fashion retailer, for £52 million from Apax Partners.{{Cite news |last=Cahill |first=Helen |date=2023-12-21 |title=Frasers finds perfect Match for push into luxury fashion |newspaper=The Times |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/frasers-finds-a-perfect-match-for-its-push-into-luxury-fashion-hkj8wxpnh |access-date=2023-12-21 |issn=0140-0460}} On 7 March 2024, the Group said that Matches would go into administration after continually missing its business plan targets.{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Madeleine |date=7 March 2024 |title=Frasers Group to shut down Matches after two months |url=https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/companies/frasers-group-shuts-down-matches-after-two-months |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Vogue Business}}

In April 2024, it was announced Frasers Group had agreed to acquire the Dutch sports retailer, Twin Sport.{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Zoe |date=2024-04-10 |title=Frasers Group to acquire Dutch retailer Twin Sport |url=https://www.drapersonline.com/news/frasers-group-to-acquire-dutch-retailer-twin-sport |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Drapers |language=en}}

In September 2024, Frasers Group made a takeover approach for luxury handbag maker Mulberry. The brand already held a 37% stake in the company{{Cite web |date=2024-09-30 |title=Mulberry: Mike Ashley's Frasers Group makes offer for handbag maker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9qvy25dq40o |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} However, the company confirmed that it would not make a bid for Mulberry in October, and then began making moves to install Mike Ashley as Director and CEO of Boohoo Group.{{Cite web |last=Conti |first=Samantha |date=2024-10-24 |title=Frasers Abandons Mulberry Bid, Begins Pursuit of Boohoo Group |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/frasers-abandons-mulberry-begins-pursuit-boohoo-1236698012/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Brandmax{{cite news|title=Mike Ashley locked in legal row with TK Maxx over Brand Max name|access-date=30 September 2024|url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/06/mike-ashley-locked-in-legal-row-with-tk-maxx-over-brand-max-name/}}
• Firetrap{{Cite web |title=Frasers Brands |url=https://frasers.group/brands |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=frasers.group |language=en}}
• Flannels {{refn|Acquired in full in 2017|group=note}}
• Game {{refn|partnership collaboration agreement|group=note}}
• House of Fraser (Current flagship)
• Scotts
• Sneakerboy Australia{{cite news|title=Sneakerboy Sold to UK Retail Group|access-date=30 September 2024|url=https://www.sneakerfreaker.com/news/sneakerboy-voluntary-administration-details-revealed/}}
• Sofa.com
• Tessuti
• Twin Sport
• Jack Wills

• EAG (Eybl & Sports Experts){{refn|Austrian sports chain in a 51% stake was acquired for €40.5m (£34.6m) in May 2013[http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/91141- Major European expansion for Sports Direct] on Insider Media, 29 May 2013|group=note}}
• Evans Cycles
• Field & Trek
• Gelert
• Heatons
• Sportland International Group {{refn|Major Baltic sports retailer in which Sports Direct acquired a 60% stake in May 2013.|group=note}}
• Sports Direct (former flagship) {{refn|High street and internet retailer created from the merger of Sports Soccer and Sports World, and progressively rebranded as SportsDirect.com since 2007 after the company's domain name but has now switch back to just "SPORTS DIRECT".{{cite news|title=Annual Report 2007|publisher=Sports Direct International|access-date=7 November 2007|url=http://www.sports-direct-international.com/library/annualReport.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706080523/http://www.sports-direct-international.com/library/annualReport.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 July 2021}} |group=note}}
• Sweatshop
• Tri UK
• USC
• WIT Fitness {{refn|Bought by Frasers Group out of administration in January 2024, a majority stake was then reacquired by the original founders in June 2024 leaving Frasers Group with a minority stake{{cite news | title = Frasers Group welcomes back WIT Fitness founders ahead of relaunch| url=https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/frasers-group-welcomes-back-wit-fitness-founders-ahead-of-relaunch/2024060375862| work= FashionUnited | date= 3 June 2024 | access-date=10 October 2024}}|group=note}}

• Ace
• Allsole
• ASOS {{refn|12.6% share in holding company|group=note}}{{Cite web |title=Frasers Group lifts stakes in Boohoo, Asos |url=https://www.digitallook.com/news/news-and-announcements/frasers-group-lifts-stakes-in-boohoo-asos--15076680.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Sharecast |language=en}}
• Boohoo.com {{Refn|16.5% share in holding company|group=note}}
• Coggles{{cite news |last=Jolly |first=Jasper |date=24 June 2024 |title=Frasers buys THG's Coggles website as they unveil partnership deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/24/frasers-buys-thg-websites-sports-direct-coggles |work=The Guardian |location= |access-date=1 November 2024}}
• Getthelabel
• Mennace
• My Bag{{Cite web|url=https://www.mybag.com/articles/about-us.list|title=My Bag About Us|date=30 September 2024}}
• ProBikeKit
• Studio{{Cite web|url=https://www.drapersonline.com/news/frasers-group-snaps-up-studio-retail|title=Frasers Group snaps up Studio Retail|date=25 February 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/2022/feb/25/frasers-group-buys-studio-retail-out-of-administration-mike-ashley|title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group buys Studio Retail out of administration|date=25 February 2022|website=The Guardian}}

• Currys plc {{Refn|11% share in holding company|group=note}}{{Cite web |last=Sensi |first=Jasdip |date=2023-07-13 |title=Frasers Group increases stakes in N Brown and Currys |url=https://internetretailing.net/frasers-group-currys/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Internet Retailing |language=en}}
• AO World {{Refn|22.2% share in holding company|group=note}}{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Aoife |date=27 June 2023 |title=Frasers ups stake in AO World and Currys - Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/06/frasers-ao-world-currys/ |website=www.retailgazette.co.uk}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Agent Provocateur {{refn|⅓ share in holding company|group=note}}
• British Knights
• Carlton
• Donnay
• Everlast
• Firetrap
• Gelert
• GoldDigga
• Grumpytoly Apparel
• Gul
• Hot Tuna
• Kangol
• Karrimor
• LA Gear
• Lillywhites
• Lonsdale
• Lovell Rugby
• Lovell Rackets
• Miso
• Miss Fiori
• Muddyfox
• Mulberry {{refn|37% share{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/19/mike-ashley-frasers-group-increases-stake-mulberry-sports-direct-takeover|title= Mike Ashley's Frasers Group increases stake in Mulberry|date= 19 November 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 Feb 2023}}|group=note}}
• Nevica
• No Fear
• Slazenger
• Sondico
• SoulCal
• USA Pro

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Bike Clearance
• Dunlop {{refn|Sold to SRI Sports Limited in 2016{{cite web|author=Zoe Wood |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/27/sports-direct-sells-dunlop-for-137m |title=Sports Direct sells Dunlop for $137m | Business |work=The Guardian |date=27 December 2016 |access-date=2 September 2017}}|group=note}}
• Missguided{{Refn|Sold to Shein in 2023|group=note}}
• Original Shoe Company {{refn|Sold to JJB Sports in December 2007{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=James |last2=Fletcher |first2=Richard |date=19 December 2007 |title=Ashley sells Original Shoe Company to JJB |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2821456/Ashley-sells-Original-Shoe-Company-to-JJB.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2821456/Ashley-sells-Original-Shoe-Company-to-JJB.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=10 February 2014 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}|group=note}}
• Umbro {{refn|Sold to Nike in 2007|group=note}}

{{div col end}}

• Dixon Sports Ltd {{refn|Purchased by Gilesports and merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• Gamestation {{refn|Acquired with purchase of Game|group=note}}
• Gilesports {{refn|Merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• Hargreaves Sports {{refn|Merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• JJB Sports {{refn|Merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• MegaValue.com {{refn|Merged with Brand Max|group=note}}
• PWP Sport {{refn|Merged with Lovell Rackets|group=note}}
• Republic {{refn|Merged with USC|group=note}}
• SheRunsHeRuns {{refn|Merged with Sweatshop|group=note}}
• Sports Soccer {{refn|Merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• Sports World {{refn|Merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• Streetwise Sports {{refn|Merged with SportsDirect.com|group=note}}
• MatchesFashion {{refn|Entered into administration|group=note}}

{{div col end}}

• Fremlin Walk, Maidstone{{Cite web |last=Bhoora2024-10-08T11:50:00+01:00 |first=Ritika |title=Frasers has acquired three new shopping centres as it looks to ‘reinvent’ UK retail |url=https://www.retail-week.com/stores/frasers-has-acquired-three-new-shopping-centres-as-it-looks-to-reinvent-uk-retail/7047237.article |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Retail Week |language=en}}
• Frenchgate Shopping Centre, Doncaster{{Cite web |date=2024-07-03 |title=Doncaster's Frenchgate Centre bought by owners of Sports Direct |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjl6z4ykjjgo |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
• Junction 32 Outlet Park, Castleford{{Cite web |last=Creasey |first=Simon |date=2023-11-14 |title=Frasers Group completes purchase of Junction 32 outlet |url=https://benews.co.uk/frasers-group-completes-purchase-of-junction-32-outlet/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=BE News |language=en-GB}}
• Luton Point, Luton{{Cite web |date=2023-03-17 |title=Frasers Group buys Luton Mall shopping centre for £58m |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv2nxe1150eo |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
• Princesshay, Exeter{{Cite web |date=2024-10-14 |title=Princesshay shopping centre sold to Frasers Group |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx25k9xrwd4o |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
• Olympus Centre, Quedgeley{{Cite web |last=Hiscott |first=Graham |last2=Stenson |first2=Mary |date=2024-10-12 |title=Gloucester retail park added to Sport Direct billionaire's empire |url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/gloucester-retail-park-added-sports-9627102 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Gloucestershire Live |language=en}}
• St Nicholas Arcade, Lancaster{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=David |date=2024-09-13 |title=Frasers Group acquires Lancaster shopping centre |url=https://www.drapersonline.com/news/frasers-group-acquires-lancaster-shopping-centre |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Drapers |language=en}}

• Boucher Retail Park, Belfast{{Cite web |last=Nazir |first=Sahar |date=2022-03-25 |title=Frasers Group acquires Belfast's Boucher Shopping Park |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2022/03/frasers-group-acquires-belfasts-boucher-shopping-park/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |language=en-GB}}
• Donegal Arcade, Belfast{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Insider |date=2015-11-26 |title=Sports Direct acquires central Belfast arcade - Insider Media |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/ireland/sports-direct-acquires-central-belfast-arcade |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Insider Media Ltd |language=en}}
• Tower Centre, Ballymena{{Cite web |last=Ballymena |first=Love |date=2025-05-29 |title=SOLD {{!}} Tower Centre sold to UK retail giant |url=https://www.loveballymena.online/post/sold-tower-centre-sold-to-uk-retail-giant |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Love Ballymena |language=en}}

• Overgate Centre, Dundee{{Cite news |date=2023-03-24 |title=Frasers Group buys Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-65052450 |access-date=2025-05-29 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

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