Super-Brands, JD Fashion in Canterbury rights transfer discussions

JD recently purchased the global rights to the world-famous rugby heritage brand “Canterbury” and “Canterbury of New Zealand”, along with the key trading assets and trade of Canterbury Europe for a sum of Pounds Stirling6.5 million.

Fashion retail expertise

Cuan Chelin, the Super-Brands chief executive, who will be negotiating the transfer in the UK this week, said: “JD is a leading retailer of sport- and athletic-inspired fashion apparel and footwear, with over 400 retail outlets in the UK. We are very interested in tapping into JD's international fashion retail expertise, in line with Canterbury's strategy of growing our Off-Field and fashion side of the business.”

Super-Brands claims vast experience in successfully working with large UK retailers that own their brands, such as Sports Direct who own Slazenger, Dunlop and Karrimor.

Cuan Chelin said: “JD Sports have indicated that they are very satisfied with Super-Brands performance with the Canterbury brand over a relatively short space of time, and they are hoping to agree to a straight transfer of rights.”

Potential UK opportunities

While in the UK, Cuan Chelin will be looking into potential opportunities to acquire new sports brands for Super-Brands going forward.

The Super-Brands premium brand portfolio currently includes Canterbury, Dunlop, Slazenger, Karrimor, Ashaway, Karakai, Swingball, Opro, Pedrini, Swiss Diamond and Sonic.