JD Sports Fashion plc (LSE:JD.) and Sports Direct International Plc (LSE:SPD) are looking at placing bids to acquire Americana International Limited for up to £100 million. The bidders are expected to be joined by private equity firms. April 30, 2013 is the last date for placing bids. HgCapital intends to divest Americana and has retained Canaccord Genuity Hawkpoint for the process.

JD Sports Fashion plc announced preliminary earnings results for the fifty three weeks ended February 2, 2013. For the period, the company reported revenue of £1,258,892,000 against £1,059,523,000 a year ago. Operating profit was £55,975,000 against £66,776,000 a year ago. Profit before tax was £55,117,000 against £67,442,000 a year ago. Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent was £38,786,000 against £46,847,000 a year ago. Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share were 79.71 pence against 96.27 pence a year ago. Net cash from operating activities was £34,728,000 against £68,907,000 a year ago. Acquisition of intangible assets was £5,540,000 against £1,711,000 a year ago. Acquisition of property, plant and equipment was £38,178,000 against £43,846,000 a year ago. Acquisition of non-current other assets was £5,350,000 against £1,903,000 a year ago. Operating profit (before exceptional items) decreased by £15.2 million to £61.3 million principally due to the full year loss in the Blacks business of £14.9 million.

JD Sports Fashion plc announced that the Board proposes paying a final dividend of 22.00 pence against 21.20 pence bringing the total dividend payable for the year to 26.30 pence 25.30 pence per ordinary share. The proposed final dividend will be paid on August 5, 2013 to all shareholders on the register at May 10, 2013.