His is divisive, controversial and, according to evidence given during a bitter High Court action in London, once challenged a young Polish analyst to a drinking competition in which they drank a dozen pints followed by vodka chasers. Yet, no one disputes that Mike Ashley knows a lot about retail. Despite the pandemic, his £3.2 billion-valued Frasers Group, which includes the Sports Direct chain, House of Fraser department stores and luxury apparel retailer Flannels, said in December it was on course to report its highest-ever profit. Recent guidance points to full-year adjusted pre-tax profits of between £300 million and £350…

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