Fashion retailer Debenhams is expected to call in administrators after the struggling department store was forced to close all its outlets under the coronavirus lockdown.
The company, which has 22,000 staff and was rescued by its lenders after collapsing into administration only a year ago, is understood to be considering filing a formal notice of intention to appoint administrators next week. The legal process provides protection from creditors for 10 working days while a company tries to secure a rescue deal.
The Guardian reports that potential administrators lined up this time include KPMG, which handled the Debenhams restructure last May.
A Debenhams spokesman said: “Like all retailers, we are making contingency plans reflecting the extraordinary current circumstances. Our owners and lenders remain highly supportive and whatever actions we may take will be with a view to protecting the business during the current situation.”
The group has closed 22 stores, 19 of which shut in January, resulting in more than 700 job losses. A further 28 of its remaining 141 stores had been lined up for permanent closure next year.
Since the coronavirus lockdown Debenhams, which has more than £600m of debt, has written to landlords asking for a five-month rent holiday and reportedly asked suppliers for a 31-day delay to some payments as it seeks to conserve cash.
