Hilco
Hilco is a global financial services company specialising in asset valuation, advisory, and liquidation, with a significant presence in the UK retail sector. For retail professionals, Hilco’s activities often intersect with major developments in store closures, restructuring, and turnaround strategies, making it a key player to watch during times of market turbulence. Retail Sector’s coverage of Hilco includes breaking news on company acquisitions and disposals, in-depth analysis of administration processes involving high-street chains, and insights into how Hilco’s interventions shape the future of UK retail businesses. Our reporting also examines the operational and strategic implications for supply chain managers, ecommerce leaders, and retail executives navigating distressed retail environments.
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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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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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Jul- 2020 -3 JulyClothing & Shoes
Boohoo denies it ‘puts workers at risk’
Online clothing retailer Boohoo has defended its business practices against accusations that it was putting workers at factories in Leicester at risk of contracting coronavirus. The allegations made by worker’s rights group Labour Behind the Label come after the East Midlands city was placed under lockdown earlier this week. The…
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Jun- 2020 -17 JuneClothing & Shoes
Boohoo snaps up Oasis and Warehouse
Boohoo has acquired the online businesses of Oasis and Warehouse, following a £5.25m cash transaction with Hilco Capital Limited. The fashion group said the brands would be a “complementary” addition to its current portfolio, and it will now work to integrate them onto its platform in the coming months. The…
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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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Mar- 2020 -16 MarchHigh Street
Laura Ashley on the verge of collapse, reports reveal
Fashion retailer Laura Ashley could call in administrators by the end of March unless it receives a £15m funding lifeline from Hilco Capital, reports have revealed. According to Sky News, Hilco Capital is currently in “advanced” negotiations with the embattled retailer, but administrators could be put on standby in the…
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Jul- 2019 -22 JulyDIY
Homebase close to buying out Bathstore
DIY retailer Homebase is reportedly closing in on acquiring bathroom retailer Bathstore, according to The Telegraph. The company entered administration last month, with accounting firm BDO, after it failed to find a buyer for the business, placing 500 jobs and 135 stores at risk. It has not been confirmed whether…
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Mar- 2019 -20 MarchDIY
Office Outlet falls into administration
Stationery retailer, Office Outlet, has entered administration putting 1,200 jobs at risk at the retailer formerly known as Staples. The collapse of the 90-store retailer comes less than a year after its management team first initiated a CVA to reduce rent and cut stores. The retailer appointed Deloitte to oversee…
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Feb- 2019 -4 FebruaryEntertainment
Canadian record shop owner ‘enters race’ for HMV
Doug Putman, the owner of Canadian record store chain, Sunrise Records, is said to be interested in purchasing HMV. The retail boss would rival Sports Direct owner, Mike Ashley, who has already placed a bid for the entertainment retailer. HMV administrators KPMG refused to comment on Putman’s interest, which was…
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Jan- 2019 -21 JanuaryHigh Street
Chapelle enters administration
Jewellery and watch retailer Chapelle has entered into administration, four years after it was sold to HMV owners Hilco UK. Philip Duffy and Sarah Bell of accountancy firm Duff & Phelps have been appointed as administrators of both Mortimer Management Group and The Jewellery Outlet, which makes up Chapelle. The…
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