Accountancy firm KPMG, recently appointed as administrator for stricken retailer Peacocks, has said it has received considerable interest in the firm.
Burdened by debts of around £750m, Peacocks officially went into administration last week after chief executive Richard Kirk’s last-minute rescue bid collapsed. The fashion chain has 611 outlets across the UK and employs almost 10,000 workers.
“We had over 100 conversations with interested parties looking at either acquiring the whole business or parts of the business in the first 48 hours of our appointment,” said Chris Laverty, KPMG’s joint administrator and restructuring partner. “The underlying business has a loyal customer base, evidenced by strong sales levels in store since our appointment.”
Sun European Partners, which tied up a £10m buyout of Peacocks-owned retailer Bonmarche earlier this week, is understood to be among those interested in snapping up what remains of the company. OpCapita, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co have also reportedly shown an interest.
Earlier in the month, outdoor clothing specialist Blacks was acquired by JD Sports, while lingerie retailer La Senza was bought out by Arabian retail group Arabiya.
