LONDON, May 20 (Reuters) - British retailer JD Sports Fashion (JD.L) said on Wednesday 20 May it had bought sports footwear retailer Chausport SA for 8 million euros ($10.9 million)in cash to enter the French market.

McKenzie at JD Sports

JD said it has also acquired 2 million euros of debt as part of the purchase of the 78-store group.

"The JD board expects that the Chausport acquisition will be earnings enhancing in future years after investment both in the existing portfolio and in new stores," it said.

In 2007 Chausport had a turnover of 40.7 million euros and made a profit before tax and exceptional items of 600,000 euros. ($1=.7356 euros) (Reporting by Mark Potter; Editing by Greg Mahlich)