Losses at the local operations of French sporting giant Decathlon, which doubled in the last financial year, have prompted its parent to provide a letter of support, according to new accounts lodged with the regulator.

Decathlon sells many of the same products available at rival Super Retail Group’s Rebel Sports stores and BCF, from camping to cycling and water sports gear. In 2020, it started to deviate from its past strategy of selling mostly private label products to signing partnerships with brands and businesses.