Administration
This coverage explores retail administrations and insolvencies within the UK market, examining the circumstances, decisions, and consequences for businesses, employees, and creditors. Reporting highlights notable cases, restructuring efforts, store closures, and leadership actions aimed at recovery or winding down. Designed for executives and managers, it offers insights into risk, resilience, and lessons from commercial failures.
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Aug- 2022 -26 AugustM&A
Retail entrepreneur swoops to acquire Paperchase
Steve Curtis, an operating partner at Rcapital, the turnaround investor, has reportedly agreed to buy Paperchase as a private investor for an undisclosed sum, according to Sky News. Its sources said on Thursday (25 August) that the deal was expected to be confirmed before the end of the week. Curtis,…
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24 AugustDepartment Stores
Department stores could be given protected status
Department stores across the UK could be given protected status following a new review of high streets from Historic England. It comes as many department store units have been left empty following the collapse of such chains as BHS and Debenhams, which fell into administration in recent years, with closures…
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9 AugustClothing & Shoes
Arcadia trustees near closing £1bn pensions deal
Arcadia’s pension trustees are reportedly close to securing a £1bn deal that will see them receive the retirement schemes promised by the group prior to its collapse, Sky News has reported. The trustees were said to be in “detailed” talks with Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) about a deal to insure…
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Jul- 2022 -28 JulyClothing & Shoes
Frasers Group acquires online retailer I saw It First
Frasers Group has announced the acquisition of the online fashion retailer I Saw It First for an undisclosed sum. Frasers revealed it looks forward to integrating I Saw It First, which has over 5 million consumers, and has rapidly grown its digital presence since its launch in 2017. I Saw…
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28 JulyHigh Street
Hammerson returns to profit
Hammerson has revealed a pre-tax profit of £50m for the six months ending June 28, contrasted with a £376m loss over the same period in 2021. However, the group also saw revenues fall to £62m from £65.3m. The company said this reflects a 48% increase in like-for-like net rental income,…
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25 JulyEconomy
Retail accounts for 10% of UK administrations in 2022, study finds
The retail sector accounted for 10% of administrations in the first six months of the year – the third highest industry in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. It found more than 620 businesses, 62 of which came from the retail industry, filed for…
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Jun- 2022 -30 JuneNews
Hilco in line to acquire Cath Kidston
Hilco is understood to be nearing a takeover of Cath Kidston, according to Sky News, after the brand was put up for sale by its owner, Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA). Sky News has learnt that Hilco, which has owned an array of prominent high street names over the last…
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27 JuneHigh Street
Cath Kidston up for sale two years after collapse
Cath Kidston, the fashion and homeware brand, has been put up for sale two years after collapsing into administration, with the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs. According to Sky News, Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) has instructed advisers at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to find a new owner for the now wholesale-led…
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15 JuneClothing & Shoes
Missguided founder to return as CEO under Frasers Group
Missguided founder Nitin Passi has returned to the business as CEO just two weeks after the company was acquired out of administration by Frasers Group. Passi founded Missguided in 2009 with Frasers describing him as the “driving force behind what became one of the most popular online fashion destinations”. However,…
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15 JuneHigh Street
WH Smith sales rocket as travel rebounds
WH Smith has seen sales soar ahead of pre-pandemic levels in recent weeks as travel continues to rebound. Group revenues in the 15 weeks to 11 June 2022 were ahead of 2019 levels for the first time at 107%, with a particularly strong performance seen in its Travel business. As…
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