Umbro agree Nike take-over

Umbro, the England team’s kit supplier which is based in Macclesfield, has today agreed to be taken over by Nike, the sportswear giant, in a deal valued at £285 million.

As well as supplying the England kit, Umbro also supplies Birmingham, Blackburn, Everton, Sunderland, West Ham and Wigan. In addition, they supply the national shirts for Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic, Norway and Sweden.

Nike said the proposed take-over of Umbro would considerably increase its presence in a key growth market. The take-over has the full support of the Football Association which has worked with Umbro for over 20 years.

FA chief executive, Brian Barwick, said assurances have been provided by Nike that the FA relationship with Umbro will be protected. Mr Barwick concluded by saying they look forward to working closely with both companies.

In early 2007, Adidas and Puma, the German sportswear giants, were linked to a takeover bid for Umbro.

Sports Direct International started buying shares in Umbro in September and currently owns 15%. It is believed the company will profit enormously from the take-over.

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