Administrators
This coverage explores the pivotal role of administrators in the UK retail landscape — from corporate restructuring and insolvency proceedings to business recovery and turnaround strategies. Retail Sector reports on high-profile administrations, creditor processes, and store closures affecting major retail brands, high streets, and shopping centres. Coverage also includes expert analysis of the financial, operational, and legal factors that lead to administration, as well as insights into how these events reshape competition, employment, and supply chains across the sector. Our editorial provides professionals with the context and intelligence needed to navigate financial distress and transformation within the retail market.
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Jan- 2021 -22 JanuaryM&A
Next pulls out of Arcadia race
Next has allegedly withdrawn from the race to acquire Arcadia Group, after the store was unable to meet the price tag for Topshop and Topman. According to The Times, Topshop, which is one of Acardia’s most coveted brands, was said to be valued between £250m and £300m – a sum…
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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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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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13 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
2,000 Edinburgh Woollen Mill jobs saved in rescue deal
Around 2,000 jobs are to be saved at Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group after international investors agreed a deal to acquire Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Ponden Homes and Bonmarche. FRP advisory confirmed that the joint administrators to The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited (t/a The Edinburgh Woollen Mill) and Duvetco Limited…
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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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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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4 JanuaryHigh Street
Arcadia to offload flagship Topshop store
Arcadia Group has announced that Eastdil and Savills have been hired to oversee the sale of retail chain Topshop’s flagship store in central London. According to Sky News, Eastdil will reportedly handle the sale strategy for the building, whilst Savills will advise on future leasing options. It comes after the…
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Dec- 2020 -14 DecemberClothing & Shoes
US group eyes Arcadia and Debenhams takeover
Authentic Brands, the US owner of New York department store brand Barneys, is reportedly eyeing a double takeover of Debenhams and Arcadia Group, according to the Telegraph. The retail group has reportedly entered discussions with the administrators of both businesses, placing chairman Jamie Salter in “direct competition” with Mike Ashley,…
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11 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Administrators place £200m price tag on Topshop
Administrators for Arcadia are reportedly seeking a price tag of £200m for the firm’s Topshop brand and are looking to agree a deal before Christmas. According to The Guardian, administrators Deloitte are expecting to receive initial bids for the brand by the end of next week (18 December). Online retailer…
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7 DecemberDepartment Stores
Frasers Group in Debenhams takeover talks
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has entered discussions involving a possible takeover of Debenhams, the group confirmed today. It comes as Debenhams collapsed into administration last week, placing 12,000 jobs at risk, after talks with JD Sports over a potential rescue deal failed. The department store chain will continue to trade…
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