Sports Direct, which owns the Lillywhites chain, and is run by the retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley, has become the dominant force in the sector by snapping up independents such as Gilesports and Hargreaves. In July, it added a 60 per cent stake in English outdoor clothing chain Field & Trek. The outlets provide routes to market for Sports Direct's 30 brands, which include rucksack label Karrimor.

Sources close to the situation have said that Nevisport changed hands this week, though neither party was available to confirm the new ownership at the weekend.

Source: business.scotsman.com