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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Mar- 2025 -27 MarchDIY
Lakeland becomes latest bid target for Modella Capital
Homewares retailer Lakeland has become the latest takeover target of retail investor firm Modella Capital, Sky News has revealed. The investment firm, which owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, is among a small number of parties trying to acquire a controlling stake in Lakeland. According to retail industry sources,…
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19 MarchHigh Street
New TOFS owner eyes potential CVA and store closures
Modella Capital, the owner of The Original Factory Shop (TOFS), is reportedly working with Interpath Advisory on a potential company voluntary arrangement, according to Sky News. Having acquired the retailer four weeks ago with no remaining bank debt, Modella is seeking to restructure the business and is currently “exploring options”. …
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13 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/3/25
John Lewis Partnership has announced that its staff will not receive a bonus for the third consecutive year, despite tripling its full-year profits from £42m to £126m. Instead, the company is investing £114m into staff pay, building on a £116m increase in 2024, and up to £600m in business transformation.…
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13 MarchHigh Street
Hobbycraft owner eyes potential restructuring
Hobbycraft owner, Modella Capital, has reportedly enlisted advisers from FRP to explore a restructuring at the crafts chain, Sky News has reported. Modella, which acquired the retailer seven months ago, is examining its options such as a company voluntary arrangement (CVA). CVAs, which are frequently used to facilitate store closures…
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7 MarchFeatures
WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…
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Feb- 2025 -14 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/2/25
The fast fashion retailer In The Style is reportedly preparing to appoint administrators as its financial struggles deepen. Acquired by Baaj Capital for just over £1m in 2022, the company saw revenues plummet from £46m to £30.4m in the year ending March 2024, with UK sales dropping to £29m. Despite…
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14 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
In The Style owners line up administrators
In The Style is reportedly on the brink of insolvency less than two years after it was sold to Baaj Capital for just over £1m, according to reports from Sky News. According to Sky, FTS Recovery is being lined up to act as administrator to the company, which was founded…
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Jan- 2025 -28 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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28 JanuaryHigh Street
HMV owner eyes bid for WH Smith’s high street arm
The owner of HMV is reportedly considering snapping up WH Smith’s high street arm, after the retailer this week confirmed it was exploring a potential sale of its 500 high street stores. According to The Sun, it is understood that HMV owner Doug Putman is now in talks with advisers over…
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Aug- 2024 -27 AugustNews
Today’s news in brief-27/8/24
UK shop prices have fallen for the first time since October 2021, with the BRC-NielsenIQ index reporting deflation of 0.3% in August, down from July’s 0.2% inflation. Non-food items saw a deeper deflation of -1.5%, driven by heavy discounts on summer stock, while food inflation slowed to 2%, with fresh…
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