Sportswear brand Sweaty Betty has been bought out by US company Wolverine Worldwide for a sum of nearly £300m.

Known for its shapely running leggings and sports bras, Sweaty Betty has been on the sportswear scene since 1998 and is now a global brand that is worn by countless celebrities including Jennifer Aniston.

Wolverine Worldwide has been thus far known for its footwear but intends to branch out into activewear since the boom in sales in this clothing category during lockdown. Having more time on their hands and not being able to leave the house for many other reasons, many people took up exercise as a hobby to keep themselves busy and fit to fight coronavirus.

The company began in Notting Hill by married duo Tamara and Simon Hill-Norton to combat the male focussed sportswear industry with activewear that was "masculine and shapeless".

Tamara and Simon Hill-Norton commented: "We've seen phenomenal growth at Sweaty Betty in the last few years, and we're now delighted to have found the right partner in Wolverine Worldwide to accelerate the next phase of the journey.

"We founded Sweaty Betty in 1998 with the purpose to empower women through fitness, and today we are delighted to have found the right partner in Wolverine Worldwide, a company that is perfectly positioned to support the acceleration of our mission."