Statement Re: Media Speculation

Blacks Leisure Group plc

Statement Re: Media Speculation

Blacks Leisure Group plc ("Blacks") has noted recent media speculation and can confirm that it received a letter from Sports Direct International plc ("Sports Direct") on Friday, 26 March 2010 at approximately 1.00 p.m. which contained the following:

1. An indication that Sports Direct was "giving serious consideration to a material increase in the level of its indicative offer to Blacks" although there were no details of the likely size of that increase.

2. An allegation that Blacks management had been selectively disclosing information about suppliers who were unlikely to continue to supply the group in the event of a successful bid by Sports Direct.

3. A threat to report this to the Takeover Panel unless Blacks provided Sports Direct by 3.00 p.m. on Friday, 26 March 2010 with information on those suppliers who would not continue to support the group in the event of a successful bid by Sports Direct.

Having reviewed this letter with its advisers, the Board of Blacks, confident that there had been no selective disclosure in breach of the Takeover Code as alleged by Sports Direct, immediately referred the letter to the Takeover Panel.

The Board continues to consider the implementation of a fundraising for the Company to be in the best interest of shareholders as a whole and therefore intends to pursue, as soon as practicable, a pre-emptive fundraising.

This announcement has been made without the consent of Sports Direct. There can be no certainty that an offer will be made to shareholders by Sports Direct or the terms on which any offer might be made.

- Ends -

Enquiries:

Blacks Leisure Group plc 01604 597 222

Neil Gillis, Chief Executive

Singer Capital Markets 020 3205 7500

Jeff Keating

Jos Trusted

Citigate Dewe Rogerson 020 7638 9571

Simon Rigby

Kevin Smith