Frasers Group has agreed to acquire a majority shareholding in Maxi Sport, an Italian multi-sport retailer, whilst the founding Sala family will retain a stake and continue leading the business as the British group prepares to launch Sports Direct stores across Italy.

The deal, for which financial terms were not disclosed, will give Frasers control of the 18-store chain established in 1989 with its first location in Merate. Maxi Sport operates six flagship locations alongside specialist formats including Space23 for premium streetwear and sneakers, Frisco for skateboarding and snowboarding, Athletic for technical running, Special for premium sneakers and basketball, and BSS for basketball and streetwear.

Current owners Emanuele Sala, Giovanni Sala, Ester Sala and Giulia Sala will maintain their shareholding and remain on the leadership team. The retailer, which launched its online platform in 2002, offers products spanning extreme sports and winter equipment across its Italian network.

Frasers Group chief executive Michael Murray said the partnership would combine international experience with regional expertise. "Maxi Sport represents the pinnacle of premium sports retail in Italy, and this partnership is the next phase of that journey," Murray told FashionNetwork.com UK. "I look forward to working with Emanuele, Giovanni, Ester, Giulia and their team, bringing our international experience and strong brand relationships together with their regional expertise to grow Maxi Sport's unique offering and also launch Sports Direct in Italy in the future."

The acquisition follows Frasers' November agreement to purchase Hervis Hungary and Hervis Romania from SPAR Austria Group, adding more than 75 outlets to its Central European portfolio. That deal positioned Hervis, a leading regional sports business, to provide consumers with greater access to international sport and lifestyle brands through Sports Direct.

In October, the Shirebrook-based retailer acquired a majority holding in The Webster, a Miami-based luxury fashion house, as part of efforts to expand its international luxury retail presence and develop digital capabilities.

Frasers reported a 5 per cent revenue increase to £2.6 billion for the first half of its financial year, whilst profit before tax nearly doubled during the period.

The Italian expansion marks Frasers' latest move to establish Sports Direct's presence in mainland Europe, leveraging Maxi Sport's established market position to unlock future growth opportunities for its flagship brand in the region.

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