A PROPOSED takeover of Footasylum by Bury-based JD Sports will now be the subject of an in-depth probe, it has been confirmed.

Last month the Competition and Mergers Authority (CMA) ruled there was a case to answer that the deal could reduce consumer choice.

Submissions were invited from all interested parties, including any undertakings which JD may want to offer, which was declined. Their inquiry will now move onto a second stage, much to the dismay of the Pilsworth firm.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman, said: "The CMA has referred their review of this acquisition to phase two on the basis that it could be bad for competition and may have an impact on price. I strongly disagree with this. This transaction will not result in any price increases or a reduction in product ranges or service quality."