Sports Direct says first-half earnings rise as House of Fraser losses improve

LONDON (Reuters) - Sports Direct , the British sportswear retailer controlled by founder Mike Ashley, reported a 22% rise in first-half core earnings, as it stemmed losses in its premium unit which includes fashion store Flannels and House of Fraser. The group also repeated its belief that it would not be on the hook for any "material liabilities" from a 674 million euro (579 million pounds) bill it received from Belgium's tax authority in July.Looking ahead, Sports Direct said Britain's recent..