JD Sports takes "significant" stake in Leeds fashion brand with multi-million pound investment

A Yorkshire lifestyle performance fashion brand has announced that it has secured a multi-million pound investment from national retailer JD Sports.

Gym King, headquartered in Leeds, will see JD take a “significant” minority stake with the investment, partnering with the brand to boost growth.

The partnership is also expected to push Gym King’s international expansion, capitalising on the American, European and Asian markets where JD already has a presence.

This comes after 12 months of “impressive growth” for Gym King, focusing on its online presence and retail partnerships.

Jay Parker, founder and CEO of Gym King, commented: “This strategic partnership will help Gym King capitalise on the huge opportunity ahead of us, becoming a world renowned ‘Lifestyle Performance’ brand.

“Our core brand values - Mindset, Resilience & Community align perfectly with the JD business and consumer.

“We have continued to see impressive growth over the last 12 months with a focus on our own online, direct to consumer offering alongside our premium wholesale distribution to selected retail partners.

“The clear synergies with JD Sports will create a strong platform for accelerated growth.” 

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports Fashion, said: “We have long admired the Gym King business and have increasingly recognised its potential as we’ve worked together in recent years.

“Investing in Gym King was a natural follow on to strengthen our partnership and is testament to the work Jay and his team have put in over recent years.

“The future for Gym King has a great number of opportunities and we are delighted to be part of that journey.”