Boardroom battle for Direct Golf

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Direct Golf is in a battle with high street giant Sport Direct after the golf chain’s boss accused them of  ‘illegally’ trying to take over his business.  

Andrew, who runs UK’s second largest golf retailer – is in the middle of a bitter row with Sports Direct and Newcastle FC owner Mike Ashley.  

Sports Direct, which has a 25% share in Direct Golf, apparently changed the locks at Direct Golf’s Huddersfield HQ on Friday, the day after the company went into administration. 

Direct Golf employees were ordered to leave the building.  

According to The Daily Telegraph, a 48.5% slide in pre-tax profits saw Andrew file a notice of administration in a court in Leeds last Thursday, after consulting with advisers at restructuring firm Begbies Traynor.  

However, he alleges that Sports Direct filed wind-up proceedings to “gazump” Begbies Traynor’s appointment in favour of doing a pre-pack deal with its own firm of administrators.  

“We are being intimidated as Sports Direct is trying to take control of the company from under our feet,” Andrew said. 

“We thought that Sports Direct had sent us letters of support but they have done the opposite. The only thing I knew was when I got a phone call saying there were four burly men at my offices changing our locks. Our staff are so upset and ashen-faced.

“The police have been called. Personally I feel a bit scared.  

“We are being intimidated as Sports Direct is trying to take control of the company from under our feet.” 

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