CMS advises Frasers Group on acquisition of Hervis’ sports retail operations in Hungary and Romania

CMS has advised Frasers Group on the acquisition of Hervis’ sports retail operations in Hungary and Romania, marking a significant step in the Frasers Group’s ongoing expansion across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The transaction includes 78 retail locations with 29 stores across Hungary and 49 stores across Romania. The deal closed in June 2026, following customary regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent. 

This strategic acquisition strengthens Frasers Group’s regional sports retail footprint and complements its existing portfolio, including the Sports Direct brand, which has been expanding rapidly in Romania through institutional leases in major retail destinations.

CMS advised Frasers Group on all aspects of the transaction, including extensive cross-border due diligence covering the 78 retail locations, structuring, negotiation and signing of the transaction documents, as well as regulatory and competition aspects. 

József Várady, Partner, Real Estate and Construction, comments: "We are delighted to have supported Frasers Group on this strategically important acquisition, which further strengthens its presence in the CEE region. The transaction required close coordination across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas, and demonstrates CMS's ability to deliver seamless, integrated legal advice on complex cross-border retail transactions.”

Zoltán Poronyi, Senior Counsel in the Corporate/M&A team, adds: "This transaction combined complex legal, commercial and regulatory aspects across two jurisdictions. Working closely with our colleagues in Romania, we were able to provide Frasers Group with seamless support throughout every stage of the transaction."

The CMS Hungary team was led by József Várady (Real Estate) and Zoltán Poronyi (Corporate). The extended team included Anikó Kircsi (Corporate), Szabolcs Szendrő and Aranka Nagy (Competition). The CMS Romania team was led by Roxana Frățilă (Real Estate) and Mircea Moraru (Corporate/M&A). The extended team included Alexandru Dumitrescu, Alexandru Trandafir, Aura Marina, Bianca Bănățeanu (Real Estate); Elena Andrei, Oana Mina, Octavian Teletin, Rareș Crîșmaru, (Corporate/M&A); Claudia Nagy (Competition/FDI); and Carmen Turcu (IP& Commercial).