Mike Ashley’s Fraser Group in talks to rescue Debenhams

SPORTS Direct boss Mike Ashley has confirmed his Frasers Group business is in talks to buy and rescue collapsed retailer, Debenhams.

The 242-year-old department store chain is on the verge of being liquidated after rescue talks to save the business failed, putting its 124 shops and 12,000 jobs at risk.

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Frasers said it hopes a possible rescue deal can save as many jobs at possible.

However, Mr Ashley has warned that unless a deal can be reached quickly, it may not be able to save Debenhams.

Unless a deal is struck, the household retailer could disappear from the high street altogether after JD Sports last week pulled out of a potential agreement to buy the business out of administration.

JD Sports was the last remaining bidder for Debenhams.

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The collapse comes after Debenhams’ sales in the six months to October plunged to £323million versus billions in its heyday.

It has already cut 6,500 jobs since May, while Debenhams last week launched a 70% off “fire sale” in stores and online as it tries to shift stock.

It is understood that the collapse of rescue talks were partly linked to the administration of Arcadia Group.

Arcadia, owned by Sir Philip Green, is the biggest operator of concessions in Debenhams stores and went into administration on November 30, 2020.

Sir Philip Green’s retail empire includes brands such as Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Topshop. The collapse of Arcadia puts 13,000 jobs at risk.

Frasers Group said: “Whilst Frasers Group hopes that a rescue package can be put in place and jobs saved, time is short and the position is further complicated by the recent administration of the Arcadia Group.

“There is no certainty that any transaction will take place, particularly if discussions cannot be concluded swiftly.”

Frasers finance boss Chris Wootton first hinted that the company might be interested in a deal for Debenhams in an interview with the Sunday Times.

He told the paper: “We hope to be able to save as many jobs as possible.

“However, we have found that Debenhams has been overly reliant on Arcadia for many years, and, with the administration of Arcadia last week, as well as no end in sight to the outdated business rates regime which unduly punishes the likes of Debenhams, it may be a bridge too far.”

It’s not the first time Frasers Group has shown interest in Debenhams. The retailer last year rejected a £200million bid from Mr Ashley after it fell into administration for the first time.

Debenhams’ website and shops remain open, but it’s understood its shops could close as soon as next year.

Dates for store closures will depend on when stock sells out and if parts of the business are sold off.

Debenhams continues to accept gift cards, however, shoppers are being urged to spend theirs sooner rather than later.

Debenhams isn’t the only retailer to confirm its struggles over the past few months, with coronavirus restrictions intensifying the mounting pressures facing the UK high street.

Peacocks and Jaeger, which are owned by Edinburgh Woolen Mill Group, fell into administration last month, putting 21,000 jobs at risk. 

Laura Ashley went bust in March, just before the lockdown was brought in, putting 2,700 jobs at risk.

Fashion giants Oasis and Warehouse went bust on April 15 leading to 1,800 staff being placed on furlough, and 202 being made redundant.