Sports retailer and gym group DW Sports has said it is to go into administration, with the jobs of 1,700 employees at risk.
The company is expected to appoint insolvency specialists on Monday after its income was wiped out by the protracted closure of stores and gyms during lockdown.
DW Sports, which was founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, operated 73 gyms and 75 retail sites across the UK but announced plans to shut 25 of its stores last month.
The company said it will now wind down its retail business for good, with its website ceasing trading with immediate effect and closing-down sales starting at its 50 remaining stores.
It stressed that its sister company, Fitness First, will continue to operate as a separate firm and its 43 clubs will be unaffected by the administration.
