LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) – Britain’s largest sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion (JD.L) mentioned on Friday it would pay 500.1 million euros ($544.9 million) to purchase out the minority traders in its Iberian enterprise because it progresses an bold growth plan.

JD mentioned it might purchase the 49.98% of shares in Iberian Sports Retail Group (ISRG) at present held by Balaiko Firaja Invest and Sonae Holdings, giving it 100% possession.

The group had mentioned in May it was in talks over the long run possession of the unit, which trades from over 460 shops.

In February, JD mentioned it might spend up to 3 billion pounds to open as many as 1,750 shops over 5 years, as CEO Regis Schultz outlined his plans for the retailer to develop into an athletic leisurewear “powerhouse”.

In May, JD agreed to purchase France’s Groupe Courir, which trades from 313 shops and earlier this month JD mentioned it might enter the Middle East with its first ever franchise deal.

Last month JD mentioned there had been some softening in trade in its North American enterprise, which might be offset by development in demand within the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Shares in JD have risen 9% up to now this 12 months.

($1 = 0.9178 euros)

Reporting by James Davey; modifying by Sarah Young

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