Profile Mike Ashley

A route one approach

He has learned how to play the City game and give them what they want.

Fact file

**Age:** 50

**Appearance:** tall, solidly built

**Newsworthiness:** The British billionaire is bidding for Irish retailer Elverys Sports

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What is it they say about the best laid plans? For months now, management at Elverys Sports have been quietly hatching a plan to acquire the Irish sports retailer through a carefully orchestrated management buyout (MBO).

Nama, the state's bad bank that controls the group's €3 million debt pile, has been squared off. ...