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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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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27 AugustHigh Street
Modella Capital acquires Hobbycraft from Bridgepoint
Privately-owned specialist retail investment boutique Modella Capital has announced its acquisition of Hobbycraft, the largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK, from majority investor Bridgepoint for an undisclosed sum. Founded in Bournemouth in 1995 and acquired by Bridgepoint in 2010, Hobbycraft has grown to a nationwide business with over…
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21 AugustDIY
Hobbycraft on brink of sale to retail investor
Hobbycraft is reportedly closing in on a sale to a specialist retail investor, Sky News has reported. Modella Capital is said to be in advanced talks to buy the arts and crafts retailer from the private equity firm Bridgepoint. Sources told Sky that a deal could be signed “within days”.…
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Jul- 2024 -1 JulyNews
Today’s news in brief-1/7/24
Several firms, including Gordon Brothers led by Mark Newton-Jones, are bidding to rescue The Body Shop’s UK business after its collapse into administration earlier this year. Alteri and Modella Capital are also considering bids. The retailer, known for its beauty products, faced financial difficulties despite a recent takeover attempt. Administrators…
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1 JulyHigh Street
Former Mothercare boss among The Body Shop bidders
Several private equity giants are reportedly eyeing a rescue bid for The Body Shop’s high street business, The Telegraph has reported. Gordon Brothers, whose UK business is led by former Mothercare boss Mark Newton-Jones, is said to be among several firms that have submitted bids for what remains of the chain. …
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