A SPORTS giant based in Bury has been told a decision to prevent it from taking over a high street rival should be looked at again.

Earlier this year the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) ruled that efforts by Pilsworth-based JD Sports to acquired Footasylum should be blocked.

Markets authority officials insisted the move was not in the best interests of customers or competition. But the decision has been remitted back to the CMA for reconsideration by the Competition Appeals Tribunal.

Peter Cowgill, JD's executive chairman, said: "We have always maintained this merger would provide significant long-term benefits to customers, colleagues and brand partners, and so we are very pleased with the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s judgment."

He said the firm would look forward to presenting further evidence to a new hearing, given the changed retail landscape due to the pandemic.