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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.

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A group of investors who have lent hundreds of millions to Matalan are closing in on a deal to take over the company, according to reports from Sky News.

Senior lenders, including big names such as Invesco and Man GLG, could agree a deal in the next two weeks which would inject around £100m of new funding into the retailer to secure its short-term future.

The outlet also cites sources that believe the lenders are in talks with current interim CEO Nigel Oddy about making his current role permanent.

The group of lenders have been competing with other rival bidders including founder John Hargreaves, who is being backed by American investor Elliott Advisers.

Matalan said in a statement just before Christmas: “The company is currently assessing all the bids and constructive discussions are continuing with interested parties and their advisers,” it said.

“In addition, the ad hoc group of existing First Lien Noteholders represented by Invesco, Man GLG, Napier Park and Tresidor, which now holds over 70% of the First Lien Secured Notes, has reconfirmed its commitment to a recapitalisation if necessary.

The homeware retailer, started in 1985, faces a deadline to refinance £350m of debt.

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