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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Jan- 2021 -27 JanuaryHigh Street
Arcadia collapsed owing creditors £750m
Philip Green’s retail empire, Arcadia, reportedly fell into administration while owing its creditors £750m. The debts, first reported by the Telegraph, largely comprised Topshop’s gross liabilities of over £550m, with Outfit also owing £80m. The figure, which is believed to exclude the group’s unsecured debt to HMRC surrounding its retirement…
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27 JanuaryHigh Street
Paperchase rescued in pre-pack Permira deal
The majority of Paperchase stores are reportedly set to be rescued in a pre-pack deal that is poised to save around 1,000 jobs. According to Sky News, the rescue deal will be led by private equity giant Permira, with a deal expected to be agreed later today (27 January). Permira,…
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26 JanuaryDepartment Stores
Frasers Group shutters Edinburgh’s Jenners store
Frasers Group has announced it will permanently close Edinburgh’s iconic Jenners store after the company failed to reach an agreement with the site’s landlord over continuing the tenancy. A spokesman for the group said the decision came after negotiations fell through with the building’s owner, Anders Povlsen, the current owner…
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20 JanuaryHigh Street
Arcadia to close 31 stores, 700 jobs lost
Arcadia, Sir Phillip Green’s retail empire, is set to close another 31 stores after going into administration in November, which will reportedly result in the loss of 700 jobs. The latest round of closures, which was first reported by The Times, will include the closure of all 21 of the…
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18 JanuaryHigh Street
Next in the lead for Arcadia Group
High street retailer Next is allegedly the lead bidder in the race to buy Arcadia Group out of administration, The Sunday Times reports. Next, which is headed by Simon Wolfson, is said to be bidding for the group with US hedge fund Davidson Kempner. However, the pair face competition from…
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14 JanuaryHigh Street
Administrators finalise sale of Bonmarche
The joint administrators of Bonmarche have announced the completed sale of the company to Purepay Retail Limited, which is backed by an international investor consortium for an undisclosed amount. Damian Webb and Gordon Thomson, partners at the accountancy firm RSM, were appointed joint administrators to the company on 30 November…
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11 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Buyer found for Edinburgh Woollen Mill
FRP Advisory, the administrator to clothing retailer Edinburgh Woollen Mill, has accepted a rescue offer that could save a number of jobs at the group. According to the Times, sale contracts have been issued to the potential buyer, who remains unnamed, although the deal is reportedly likely to save only…
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6 JanuaryNews
M&S close to Jaeger deal
Marks and Spencers is reportedly close to signing a deal to purchase Jaeger from Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill group which collapsed into administration last year. According to Sky News, M&S could reach an agreement to acquire the store as early as this week. In November last year the store…
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5 JanuaryHigh Street
1,500 jobs at risk as Paperchase calls in administrators
Paperchase, the UK-based stationary store chain, has reportedly called in administrators due to a lack of sales caused by Covid-19. A spokesperson confirmed to Retail Sector that a notice has now been filed to appoint administrators from PwC to oversee the administration. It comes as reports show that during November…
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5 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Edinburgh Woollen Mill owes creditors over £190m
Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) owes a reported £192m to its unsecured creditors, according to Drapers. A report from FRP Advisory, which was seen by Drapers, reveals that those who are indebted includes suppliers and landlords, shows that as of 24 December the firm owed a total sum of…
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