Modella Capital
This coverage examines Modella Capital’s investments and strategic activity within the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on its acquisitions of established retail brands—including Hobbycraft, The Original Factory Shop, Crafter’s Companion, and WHSmith’s high street division (now rebranded as TGJones)—as well as its approach to turnaround strategies, store portfolio optimisation, and leadership transitions. These insights are tailored for retail executives, investors, and professionals monitoring private equity’s role in shaping the future of UK high street and multichannel retail.
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May- 2025 -7 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-7/5/25
Asda has appointed Rachel Eyre as its new chief customer officer, replacing David Hills. Eyre joins from Morrisons, where she served as chief customer and marketing officer, overseeing brand strategy, digital, and PR. With prior experience at Sainsbury’s and Barclays, she aims to reinforce Asda’s position as the UK’s lowest-priced…
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7 MayPeople Moves
TOFS appoints former commercial director Tim Bettley as MD
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) has appointed experienced retail leader and its former commercial director Tim Bettley as its new managing director. Bettley was most recently commercial director at Poundland and Dealz, and before that operated in the same role at TOFS from 2015 and 2018, during which time the…
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6 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-6/5/25
Deliveroo has agreed to a £2.9bn takeover by US rival DoorDash, creating a combined entity operating in over 40 countries with annual orders exceeding £10bn. The deal, offering a 44% premium on Deliveroo’s share price, was approved by its board. DoorDash CEO Tony Xu highlighted the potential for expanded innovation,…
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6 MayHigh Street
WH Smith buyer faces year-long ban from mass store closures
The new owner of WH Smith’s high street chain has effectively been banned from enacting widespread store closures for at least 12 months following the acquisition of the chain in March. According to Sky News, WH Smith would have the right to cancel a year-long transitional services agreement (TSA) with…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/4/25
Mohsin Issa, co-founder of EG Group, has stepped down as CEO but will retain a significant minority stake and remain on the board as a non-executive director. Russell Colaco, the current CFO, will take over as CEO, bringing extensive international retail and investment banking experience. The move reflects EG Group’s…
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28 AprilHigh Street
Hilco Capital and Endless table offers for Poundland
Several potential buyers have reportedly tabled their offers to acquire Poundland, after the retailer has been hit by struggling sales and mounting losses in recent months. According to Sky News, Hilco Capital and turnaround investor Endless both set forth their respective proposal offers on Friday (25 April) ahead of a…
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25 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-25/4/25
The John Lewis Partnership has appointed Andy Mounsey as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Mounsey, who had been serving as interim CFO since last autumn, brings 13 years of experience within the business, including roles as Group Finance and Strategy director. A chartered accountant with prior experience at…
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25 AprilHigh Street
Hobbycraft set to close nine stores
Hobbycraft is set to close nine stores, a move affecting up to 126 jobs, as part of a restructure led by new owners Modella Capital, it confirmed to the BBC. The restructuring will also result in redundancies across its Bournemouth head office and distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent but it has…
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25 AprilHigh Street
TOFS places hundreds of jobs at risk under new revival plans
Nearly 1000 jobs at The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) reportedly could be at risk as the company embarks on a survival plan which hinges on widespread rent cuts, according to Sky News. Modella Capital, the new owner of TOFS, has reportedly drawn up plans to renegotiate rents at 88 of…
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22 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-22/4/25
Marks & Spencer has apologised to customers after a technical glitch disrupted contactless payments and click-and-collect services over the Bank Holiday weekend. Shoppers reported frustration at being unable to complete purchases, with some forced to abandon full trolleys. The issue also affected M&S’s email and chat systems, preventing advance customer…
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