Debenhams closes its doors
Debenhams is to close all of its 124 stores after JD Sports ended discussions over a rescue deal.
![Shuttered Debenhams shop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Jpep4ujc7QLVha3qsPavr7-415-80.jpg)
Debenhams is set to wind down the business and close all 124 stores after JD Sports ended discussions over a rescue deal, says Sarah Butler in The Guardian. While Debenhams’ administrators have been seeking a buyer since the summer, they now admit that the sale process has “not resulted in a deliverable proposal”, blaming the “extremely challenging” economic landscape and the pandemic-related “uncertainty” facing the UK retail industry.
No wonder JD Sports pulled out, says Jonathan Eley in the Financial Times. The market reacted “badly” to the news that the successful retailer was planning a bid for Debenhams, with the stock sliding by 10%. The collapse of Arcadia, a leading concession in Debenhams’ stores, is “unlikely to have helped sentiment”. JD’s departure means that Mike Ashley, the founder of JD’s rival Sports Direct, is expected to be a “prominent bidder” for any stores or parcels of stores that become available as part of the process.
Ashley is positioning himself as the “only saviour of either Arcadia or Debenhams”, says Ben Marlow in The Daily Telegraph. But while his “long courtship” of Debenhams has already cost Sports Direct shareholders £150m thanks to a failed investment in the company, he is not assured of success. His “highly provocative offer” to bail Arcadia out with a £50m loan is likely to ensure that Arcadia chair Philip Green works hard to block him. Although Arcadia’s various brands are technically in the hands of administrators, UK retail is a “small world” and Green “still knows all the big-hitters”.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748-320-80.jpg)
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Matthew graduated from the University of Durham in 2004; he then gained an MSc, followed by a PhD at the London School of Economics.
He has previously written for a wide range of publications, including the Guardian and the Economist, and also helped to run a newsletter on terrorism. He has spent time at Lehman Brothers, Citigroup and the consultancy Lombard Street Research.
Matthew is the author of Superinvestors: Lessons from the greatest investors in history, published by Harriman House, which has been translated into several languages. His second book, Investing Explained: The Accessible Guide to Building an Investment Portfolio, is published by Kogan Page.
As senior writer, he writes the shares and politics & economics pages, as well as weekly Blowing It and Great Frauds in History columns He also writes a fortnightly reviews page and trading tips, as well as regular cover stories and multi-page investment focus features.
Follow Matthew on Twitter: @DrMatthewPartri
-
Regulator moves to protect access to cash amid branch closures and disappearing ATMs
News The Financial Conduct Authority has told banks to start assessing if local communities have adequate cash access from mid-September
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
VAT hike on private school fees could come earlier than previously expected
The government could start charging VAT on private school fees as soon as January 2025, according to the latest reports. What does it mean for parents?
By Katie Williams Published
-
UK mid-caps: an improving outlook
UK mid-caps have perked up and the rally may run further, but long-term investors should remain selective
By Cris Sholto Heaton Published
-
The tobacco industry is going smoke-free - how to profit from it
Tobacco companies have realised their traditional products are on the wane. But new opportunities have opened up – and should prove lucrative
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
-
Is it time to invest in creative industries?
Any industrial strategy should not overlook the creative industries, one of our top national assets
By David C. Stevenson Published
-
Is Mercia Asset Management set for success?
Mercia Asset Management helps the government fund smaller companies in Britain’s regions. Should you invest?
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
-
British stocks set for a boost
British stocks are due for a bounce as the UK looks more stable compared to many economies
By Alex Rankine Published
-
Ocado shares jump by a fifth
Ocado takes a turn for the better after attractive profit forecasts were announced
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
The AI boom is on borrowed time
The hype around the AI boom could be on its way out – but why?
By Alex Rankine Published
-
Diploma: a blue-chip set for strong growth
Diploma, whose niche products include seals and fasteners, serves an array of growth markets. Should you invest?
By Dr Mike Tubbs Published