Intersport France revives Spain's retail network after local collapse

A bold rescue mission unfolds as Intersport France steps in to save Spain's struggling sports retail sector. Can it outmaneuver Decathlon's rival takeover?

, and Administrator

2026 May 2 . 8:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a sportchek store in a mall with a sign that reads "Sportchek" on the wall. Inside... — The image shows a sportchek store in a mall with a sign that reads "Sportchek" on the wall. Inside the store, there are racks filled with clothes and other objects, as well as pillars and lights on the ceiling. There is also a television in the store.

Intersport France revives Spain's retail network after local collapse

Intersport France is expanding its presence in Spain after the collapse of Intersport Spain earlier this year. The company has taken over operations from twelve major Spanish partners, covering thirty stores. Plans are now underway to modernise existing locations and open ten new outlets by 2027. Intersport Spain faced severe financial troubles, leading to its creditor protection filing in March 2025. The situation worsened when Barcelona’s Commercial Court No. 3 ordered the liquidation of its companies, which had managed nearly 120 stores nationwide. Meanwhile, Decathlon has submitted a rival bid to acquire the struggling business, currently under review by Spain’s competition authority, the CNMC.

Intersport France, a cooperative of independent store owners, now oversees Southern Europe, including Spain, France, Belgium, and Portugal. The group operates over 980 stores in France alone, generating €3.9 billion in revenue last year. Its structure relies on a central support system and three logistics hubs to assist store-owning partners.

The French division has already integrated thirty Spanish stores from twelve key partners. Beyond stabilising these locations, the company aims to revitalise underperforming outlets and expand its footprint. The goal is to open ten new stores in Spain by 2027, strengthening its position in the market. The takeover marks a significant shift for Intersport’s operations in Spain. With modernisation plans and new store openings, the company intends to rebuild its presence. The outcome of Decathlon’s competing bid will determine whether Intersport France faces additional challenges in its expansion.