Sports Direct International has completed the acquisition of Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in the U.S. The British sporting goods retailer is expected to enter U.S. retailing with 51 stores, of which 21 are EMS and 30 are Bob's. Sports Direct paid $101 million in cash for the transaction. Following the acquisition, the product lines available in the U.S. stores and websites will be expanded with the addition of some new European brands, possible including those owned by Sports Direct. The British company said it will honor gift cards and unexpired member rewards that pre-dated the acquisition. Meanwhile, the retailer said it is planning to offer additional member-only offers. Sports Direct operates nearly 800 sporting goods stores across the U.K., Continental Europe and Asia. The company also owns a portfolio of more than 30 brands, including Karrimor, Gelert, Everlast, Slazenger, Lonsdale and Kangol, among others. Mike Ashley, Sports Direct's chief executive, has a 55 percent stake in the retailer and also owns Newcastle United, a Premier League football club.

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