Debenhams
This coverage examines Debenhams’ trajectory, strategies, and impact within the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on store operations, online developments, financial performance, brand repositioning, product ranges, and executive changes. Designed for retail professionals, it offers analysis of commercial decisions, market challenges, and opportunities relevant to department store management and broader apparel and homeware retailing.
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Sep- 2020 -7 SeptemberSupermarkets
Asda future could be decided this week as takeover deadline looms
The future of ‘Big Four’ grocer Asda could be decided as early as this week, as rival private equity firms reportedly finalise their bids. According to The Telegraph, bids for the grocer, which is valued at around £6.5bn, are due today (Monday 7 September) with private equity firms Apollo Global…
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1 SeptemberHigh Street
Mike Ashley warns PM of rates review delay
Retail tycoon Mike Ashley has reportedly written to prime minister Boris Johnson warning of the “disastrous consequences” if the government doesn’t conduct a review of the current business rates system. According to The Times, in a joint letter with Fraser CFO Chris Wootton, Ashley warned that without action he believes…
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Aug- 2020 -24 AugustDepartment Stores
Debenhams owner calls in advisers for its own administration
The holding company of Debenhams, Celine Group Holdings, has appointed advisers to help prepare for its own administration. Celine confirmed that Philip James Watkins and Philip Lewis Armstrong of FRP Advisory have been appointed as administrators in respect of the company and its immediate parent company, Celine UK Newco 1…
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21 AugustHigh Street
Ex-Asda and Debenhams chiefs in rival £6.5bn bids for Asda
Retail bosses Paul Mason and Rob Templeman are reportedly set to launch rival £6.5bn bids for supermarket giant Asda. According to Sky News, the former Asda and Debenhams chief executives are being lined up to front bids from Apollo Global Management and Lone Star Funds respectively. It comes after Walmart,…
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18 AugustPeople Moves
Hamleys CEO to step down
Hamleys chief executive, David Smith, is to step down from the position after only six months with the iconic toy retailer. According to Sky News, the reasons behind his departure remains unclear and it is understood that Smith will leave the group at the end of August. He was previously…
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17 AugustHigh Street
Debenhams draws up contingency plans for potential liquidation
Debenhams has reportedly drawn up contingency plans in the event of a potential liquidation, as it continues to weather the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report by Sky News, it is understood that Debenahmans has drafted in Hilco Capital to support the retailer if the sales process for the 242-year-old…
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11 AugustDepartment Stores
Debenhams cuts 2,500 jobs
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has cut 2,500 staff roles. The retailer said that the job cuts, believed to be across both its retail and warehouse staff, have been made in order to give the company “every chance of a viable future”. A spokesperson said staff affected by redundancy have…
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11 AugustHigh Street
Frasers Group mulls Debenhams acquisitions
Frasers Group owner Mike Ashley is reportedly looking to acquire up to 30 Debenhams stores. According to the Mail, sources claim Ashley has discussed the acquisition proposals with senior members of staff, and a potential statement clarifying the speculation could be released this week. Ashley has previously attempted to take…
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10 AugustHigh Street
Baird Group launches CVA proposal
Baird Group has launched a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) proposal in order to safeguard the “long-term future” of the group. The group, whose portfolio includes Ben Sherman and Suit Direct, worked with KPMG’s Restructuring practice to review “all options” available to address the challenges presented by the pandemic. As a…
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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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