COURIR acquired by JD SPORTS
Context
JD Sports submitted a binding offer to acquire 100% of Courir from the private equity firm Equistone Partners Europe. The transaction values the French company at an Enterprise Value of EUR520 million. For Equistone, this exit represents a remarkable success: the fund had acquired Courir in 2018 (a carve-out from Go Sport) for EUR283 million, transforming it into an autonomous and highly profitable player. The acquisition allows JD Sports to significantly strengthen its presence in France and integrate a brand with a strong female identity, which complements JD's historically more male-focused positioning.
It is worth noting that the fund Equistone took control of Courir through an LBO in 2019.
COURIR, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2022, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, a level significantly lower than the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.9x).
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Target
Courir is the market leader in France for sneaker and fashion-oriented sportswear retail. With a network of over 313 stores (mainly in France, but with a growing footprint in Spain, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), the company distinguishes itself through a unique positioning: it primarily targets a female and urban demographic, a segment often underserved by generalist competitors. Originally a subsidiary of Groupe Go Sport, Courir became independent in 2018 under the ownership of Equistone.
Ent. Value
€500M–1.5bn
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
below 1.5x
EV / EBITDA
5x–12x
EV / EBIT
10x–18x
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with COURIR
Other operations with COURIR
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/2019 | EQUISTONE | COURIR | FRANCE | Sport |
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| 10/2022 | GENEO | I-RUN | FRANCE | Sport |
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Other operations with JD SPORTS
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/2024 | JD SPORTS | HIBBETT | UNITED STATES | Sport |
| 11/2016 | JD SPORTS | GO OUTDOORS | UNITED KINGDOM | Sport |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV €500M–1.5bn
Revenue range: €450–900M
EBITDA range: €50–100M
EV/Revenue range: below 1.5x
EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of COURIR by JD SPORTS are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.
Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: courir
Acquirer: jd sports