Slumping athletic apparel retailer Finish Line agreed to sell itself to a United Kingdom-based sportswear company that was angling to get a foothold in the U.S.

Growing demand for branded sports shoes and clothes has enabled JD Sports to overtake Sports Direct as Britain’s leading sportswear retailer by market value.

Its move into the largest sportswear market is its boldest yet, increasing JD Sports’ importance to international brands, particularly Nike and Adidas.

Finish Line has 556 stores, as well as dedicated, branded floor space in 375 Macy’s locations. Sales at stores open at least a year tumbled 7.9% in the company’s fourth quarter, Finish Line said Monday.

JD Sports has expanded overseas in recent years, gaining a presence in France, Spain, and South Korea.

“This is a landmark day for JD and will be transformational for the business. It immediately offers a major presence in the U.S., a clear next step to further increase our global scale,” its Executive Chairman Peter Cowgill said.

The British firm is funding the deal through a new revolving credit facility and a new asset backed lending facility secured against Finish Line’s inventory and receivables.