Goals Soccer Centres confirms takeover approach

Goals has 42 centres in the UK and one in the US

Five-a-side football specialist Goals Soccer Centres has said that it has received a preliminary takeover approach from a Canadian pension fund.

In response to recent press speculation East Kilbride-based Goals confirmed it had received the approach from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

Goals said it was not certain that an offer would be made.

The pension fund owns Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which houses a number of Canadian sports teams.

Reports suggestthe fund would provide the capital for Goals to expand internationally.

Goals currently has 42 centres in the UK and one in Los Angeles.

In February, the company reported a 21% rise in pre-tax profits to £9.2m, despite being hit by a tax ruling that cost it £800,000.