TOP NEWS: Mike Ashley steps down from Frasers as son-in-law takes over

(Alliance News) - Frasers Group PLC on Tuesday said Founder Mike Ashley will step down from the ...

Alliance News 20 September, 2022 | 8:10AM
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(Alliance News) - Frasers Group PLC on Tuesday said Founder Mike Ashley will step down from the board, as his son-in-law Michael Murray takes over.

Ashley founded the Shirebrook, England-based retail group as 'Mike Ashley Sports' in 1982, evolving into Sports Direct. It now owns many other retail brands including House of Fraser. Ashley holds a 69% stake in the company.

In May, Ashley stepped down as chief executive officer, paving the way for son-in-law Murray to become the company's new boss.

Previously, Murray was head of 'elevation', meaning upgrading stores. Its strategy to modernise the business is evident throughout the year with the opening of its new flagship Sports Direct in Birmingham and the seven floor Flannels in Liverpool.

On Tuesday, Frasers said that Ashley will not seek re-election as director at the company's annual general meeting on October 19.

It explained that Ashley will continue to be available in an advisory capacity and will inject the company with an additional GBP100 million of funding. This will be on the same terms as its existing unsecured borrowing facilities.

Since Murray has took over as CEO, he has continued in his father-in-law's footsteps.

In June, Frasers bought fast-fashion retailer Missguided Ltd out of administration in a GBP20 million deal and acquired a 28.7% stake in the Australian-based fashion marketplace MySale Group PLC.

The company also made its return to the London FTSE 100 benchmark this month, replacing aerospace components manufacturer Meggitt PLC. Meggitt was bought by Ohio-based Parker-Hannifin Corp for GBP6.3 billion.

In the financial year that ended April 24, revenue rose 31% to GBP4.75 billion from GBP3.63 billion. Pretax profit jumped to GBP366.1 million from GBP8.5 million.

The company expects adjusted pretax profit to be between GBP450 million and GBP500 million in financial year 2023.

"Since Michael Murray took over the leadership of Frasers Group earlier this year, the business has gone from strength to strength," Ashley said. "It is clear that the Group has the right leadership and strategy in place and I feel very confident passing the baton to Michael and his team."

He added: "My commitment and support as a Frasers' shareholder is as strong as ever."

Shares in Frasers were down 2.2% to 769.00 pence each in London on Tuesday morning.

By Sophie Rose; sophierose@alliancenews.com

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Frasers Group PLC 786.50 GBX 0.51 -

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