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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Apr- 2020 -30 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse stores closed ‘indefinitely’, 1,800 jobs lost
Over 1,800 employees at fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse are set to be made redundant after administrators failed to find a new buyer for the retailers. The fashion brands have now been sold to Hilco, a restructuring firm and former owner of HMV. Whilst Hilco agreed to buy the retailer’s…
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23 AprilClothing & Shoes
Gordon Brothers rescues Laura Ashley from administration
Embattled retailer Laura Ashley has been rescued from administration by global investment firm Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed sum. Gordon Brothers revealed it has acquired the global Laura Ashley brand, archives, and related intellectual property from the Laura Ashley group’s administrators PwC. Ramez Toubassy, president of brands for Gordon Brothers…
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22 AprilHigh Street
Cath Kidston shutters entire UK estate, over 900 staff made redundant
The administrators of Cath Kidston have confirmed that all 60 Cath Kidston stores in the UK have now closed, resulting in 908 staff being made redundant. Richard Fleming and Mark Firmin from restructuring practice Alvarez and Marsal were appointed as joint administrators to Cath Kidston yesterday. Immediately following the administrators’…
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21 AprilCoronavirus
Cath Kidston bought out of administration by owner
Global lifestyle brand Cath Kidston has been bought out of administration by its parent company Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) in a pre-pack deal. The management team of Cath Kidston today (21 April) confirmed that parts of the business have been transferred by administrators, Alvarez and Marsal, following an independent…
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20 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams closes seven stores amid further landlord talks
Debenhams has announced the permanent closure of seven of its stores resulting in the loss of 422 jobs and has entered negotiations with landlords over some of its remaining stores. The department store chain, which entered administration earlier this month, closed seven of its sites including its Westfield Shepherds Bush…
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17 AprilHigh Street
Laura Ashley appoints third administrator amid Covid-19 crisis
Embattled retailer Laura Ashley has appointed a third administrator amid growing pressure from the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the UK. PwC has confirmed that Rachael Wilkinson, business restructuring services director at the firm, has been appointed to support the business during this time. She joins Rob Lewis and Zelf Hussain of…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse collapse into administration
Fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse have entered administration, putting over 2,000 jobs at risk. Rob Harding and Richard Hawes, restructuring partners at ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm Deloitte, have been appointed as joint administrators to Oasis and Warehouse Limited, Oasis Fashions Limited, Warehouse Fashions Limited, The Idle Man Limited and Bastyan…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse set to call in administrators
Fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse are reportedly set to appoint administrators, placing around 2,000 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, The Oasis and Warehouse Group, which is owned by Icelandic lender Kaupthing, is set to appoint Deloitte as administrators in the coming days. It comes after a potential sale…
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9 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams enters administration
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has officially entered administration, and has appointed Geoff Rowley and Alastair Massey of FRP Advisory to handle the process. The group said it has entered administration to “protect Debenhams in the UK from the threat of legal action” that could have the effect of pushing…
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6 AprilCoronavirus
Debenhams appoints FRP as administrator
Debenhams has announced its intent to appoint an administrator in order to “protect” the business from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak. It is believed the move will work to prevent liquidation while its 142 UK stores remain closed in line with government advice amid the ongoing pandemic. The news closely…
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