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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Aug- 2020 -17 AugustSport & Leisure
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group makes £30m bid for DW Sports
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly made a takeover bid for former rival Dave Whelan’s DW Sports. According to the Sunday Times, Frasers Group has offered £30m to administrators BDO for the DW estate, which comprises 73 gyms and 75 stores. It is also thought that BDO was looking for…
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5 AugustCoronavirus
River Island considering CVA as Covid-19 hits sales
Fashion retailer River Island is reportedly considering a CVA proposal as it attempts to weather the coronavirus pandemic. According to Retail Week, River Island is considering launching a CVA proposal or another form of administration in order to reduce rents or close some of its stores that have seen lower…
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4 AugustHealth & Beauty
DW Sports falls into administration, 1,700 jobs at risk
DW Sports has collapsed into administration, placing around 1,700 jobs at risk. BDO announced that its restructuring partners, Graham Newton and Ryan Grant, were appointed joint administrators of the sportswear and fitness company on 3 August 2020. The group currently operates 50 retail sites and 73 gyms across the UK,…
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3 AugustCoronavirus
Hammerson taps investors for cash
Hammerson has confirmed that it is holding advanced discussions regarding a possible disposal of a stake in a European arm of its business, after suffering from unpaid rents amid the coronavirus crisis. The shopping centre landlord is now looking to sell a 50% stake in VIA Outlets to joint venture…
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Jul- 2020 -27 JulyDepartment Stores
Debenhams seeks potential buyer
Debenhams has confirmed that administrators are considering its sale to a third party in a bid to lead the business out of its current administration. According to The Guardian, the department store group has now appointed investment bank Lazard to oversee the sale process, and “hopes to secure a buyer…
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21 JulyCoronavirus
Antler’s online business sold
Luxury luggage brand, Antler, has confirmed its brand, online retail business and assets have been sold to an ATR group company after KPMG was drafted in to restructure the business. Antler, founded in Bury, Lancashire in 1914, had traded across a number of retail outlets and various online channels prior…
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17 JulyShopping Centres
Intu slashes 46 head office roles
Intu has slashed 46 roles across its London head offices, following its collapse into administration at the end of June. A spokesperson for the joint administrators confirmed the news, and said that a further 15 roles have also been cut at Intu Broadmarsh in Nottingham, which was the result of…
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16 JulyClothing & Shoes
Next set for Victoria’s Secret UK takeover
Next has reportedly agreed an outline deal to acquire the UK arm of Victoria’s Secret, fending off competition from Marks and Spencer and other bidding rivals. According to Sky News, Next has been chosen as the “preferred” franchise partner for the lingerie brand by Deloitte, who were called in as…
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10 JulyShopping Centres
John Whittaker steps downs as Intu chairman
John Whittaker has reportedly stepped down from his role as chairman of embattled shopping centre owner Intu. According to Property Week, Whittaker resigned from his role as chairman and non-executive director on 26 June – the same day Intu entered administration. It also reported that Whittaker had not attended an…
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2 JulyHigh Street
Casual Dining Group falls into administration
The owner of Bella Italia and Café Rouge, Casual Dining Group, has fallen into administration. According to a report by the BBC, almost 1,900 of the group’s 6,000 strong workforce have been made redundant, with 91 sites closing their doors for good. The BBC said AlixPartners, the appointed administrators, will…
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