Tue, 04 Aug 2020 | ADMINISTRATION
Sports retailer and gym operator DW Sports has said it is poised to enter administration, due to the impact of the mandated closure of its store portfolio and gyms during COVID-19 lockdown. The company will work with administrator BDO to save as many of its 73 gyms as possible, but all 75 stores will close.
DW Sports, which was founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, had already announced the closure of 25 of its stores last month and the remaining 50 will now enter closing-down sales.
The company hopes that a restructuring process will enable it to save as many gyms and jobs as possible, but added that the closure of some gyms was “inevitable”. 59 of the group’s UK gyms have reopened, with the remaining 14 unable to due to government restrictions. DW Sports says its sister company Fitness First, which operates 43 clubs, is unaffected by its administration.
Administrators say they hope to supports employees, customers and gym members as far as possible while seeking a buyer or buyers for as "much of DW Sports' business as can be achieved."
Chief Executive Martin Long said: “As a consequence of COVID-19, we found ourselves in a position where we were mandated by government to close down both our retail store portfolio and our gym chain in its entirety for a protracted period, leaving us with a high fixed-cost base and zero income”.
“Like many other retail businesses, the consequences of this extremely challenging operating market have created inevitable profitability issues for DW Sports.”
Long added that appointing administrators gave the company “the best chance to protect viable parts of the business, return them to profitability, and secure as many jobs as possible.”
The group’s most recent available accounts were to the year ending March 31 2019. DW Sports reported fixed assets valued at £146.9 million, with current assets of £43.6 million, net current liabilities of £58.7 million and net assets of slightly over £55 million.
The group reported turnover of £222.2 million for the year, down from £222.9 million the year prior, with fitness clubs generating £137.9 million and retail stores £84.3 million.
Find businesses for sale here.
If you are looking for an exit, we can help!
Explore an exceptional investment opportunity with Lincolnshire's leading country inn and restaurant, offering a seamless and profitable operation.
FREEHOLD
Here's a unique opportunity to acquire a recognised fitness brand with ten prime locations in central and west London, offering an enticing variety of wellness and exercise classes tailored to a diverse clientele.
LEASEHOLD
An exciting opportunity to acquire a charming hotel and restaurant located just 40 minutes west of Glasgow on the picturesque A78 coastal route.
FREEHOLD
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.