Popular now
Debenhams Group returns to growth amid PLT recovery

Debenhams Group returns to growth amid PLT recovery

Currys appoints Fredrik Tønnesen as Group CEO

Currys appoints Fredrik Tønnesen as Group CEO

Inditex sales rise 5.8% after strong start to summer trading

Inditex sales rise 5.8% after strong start to summer trading

Card Factory seeks fresh funding to aid survival

Card Factory seeks fresh funding to aid survival

On this episode of Talking Shop I’m joined by Alain Bejjani—former Group CEO of Middle East retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, and author of the definitive new book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities. Drawing on his childhood in war-torn Beirut, and his experience steering a $9.5bn dollar retail and lifestyle empire through a global pandemic, Alain brings an unmatched perspective on leadership under pressure. Today, we break down his crisis survival playbook for retailers operating in distress. We discuss why resilience must always outpace efficiency, the four assets a brand must protect at all costs, and how to turn macro-turmoil into a long-term direction that scales.

Register to get free articles

No spam Unsubscribe anytime

Want unlimited access? View Plans

Already have an account? Sign in

Card Factory has reportedly drafted in restructuring experts to help secure news funds to support the group through the pandemic.

According to the Sunday Times, consultants from Deloitte initially contacted specialist lenders on behalf of the group in efforts to borrow £100m. Half of the funding would reportedly be used to repay Card Factory’s existing debts.

However, discussions ended without agreement, according to reports. In light of this, Card Factory is now said to have entered talks with its existing lenders, HSBC, NatWest, Santander and Lloyds, over new financing arrangements. 

A source told the Sunday Times that discussions with the banks were “positive”.

News of the latest plan to secure new funding comes one week after Card Factory issued a liquidity update which confirmed the groups intentions to refinance as banks provided further waivers in respect of anticipated covenant breaches until 31 March 2021.

The group claimed that the banks had taken into account the company’s cash flow projections and that it had continued to engage in “constructive discussions” with the retailer.

Additionally, the company said it has welcomed the roadmaps to reopening non-essential retail by the UK and devolved governments and “looks forward” to welcoming colleagues and customers back into the stores as soon as possible, once restrictions are lifted.

Previous Post
February footfall falls by 73.5%

February footfall falls by 73.5%

Next Post
BCC appoints new director general

BCC appoints new director general