Thu, 12 Nov 2020 | BUSINESS NEWS
Premium womenswear retailer LK Bennett has launched a proposal for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) as it looks to mitigate the ongoing financial impact of COVID-19. The proposed CVA would see four or five stores close, resulting in a number of job losses, and the company’s remaining stores move to turnover-based rent.
LK Bennett, which employs 400 staff, including 300 in retail roles, has seen its sales significantly impacted by COVID-19. The company says its “biggest strengths”, eventwear and workwear, have been hard to sell during the pandemic, with many events cancelled and a large portion of the workforce working from home.
The company has also been hit by a lack of tourism in London, where it normally makes the majority of its store sales. With stores currently shuttered due to the second lockdown, the company forecasts that, despite its “best efforts”, sales will likely not rebound until mid-2021. As a result, LK Bennett has proposed the CVA, hiring restructuring firm Alvarez & Marshal as its adviser.
A spokesperson for the company said: “LK Bennett is currently negotiating a CVA to mitigate the ongoing financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. LK Bennett is one of many retail brands that has faced significant disruption to sales across two lockdown periods in the UK and Ireland.”
“We are committed to doing the right thing; in order to secure as many jobs as possible and continue serving our customers to the best of our ability we are working towards reaching an agreement with our creditors.”
“While we are likely to see four to five store closures and a small number of job losses, any measures we take aim to protect the rest of the jobs in our store portfolio of 69, consisting of standalone stores, concessions and outlets, as well as head office, and to protect the longevity of the business.”
“We understand this is a difficult time for everyone involved. We appreciate the support of our business partners and are doing everything we can to help our team members during this process, including speaking with those affected.”
LK Bennett entered the pandemic in a distressed state. In March 2019, it engaged EY to act as administrator of its UK business.
The UK, Ireland and wholesale business was acquired by Rebecca Feng, head of the company’s Chinese franchises, for £9.8 million in April 2019 through the company Byland UK. However, earlier this year, EY extended the administration process for a further year due to “property matters” and other remaining work in need of completion.
Find businesses for sale here.
If you are looking for an exit, we can help!
This is a brilliant opportunity to acquire a stationery retail shop in Reigate. Operating from a prime high street location with good levels of footfall along a busy street. The shop is equipped with relevant facilities, and has a clean and tidy look...
LEASEHOLD
Bathroom specialist business offering the design, supply and installation of bespoke luxury bathrooms and wet rooms in Berkshire and beyond. A Guaranteed Member of Checkatrade, the company is rated 10/10 for workmanship, tidiness, reliability, courte...
LEASEHOLD
The company offers a range of specialist gardening and landscaping products and services to both trade and domestic customers, with a particular focus on turf, top soil, mushroom compost, aggregates, cement and sand, and landscape waste services.
LEASEHOLD
25
|
Apr
|
Ambulance services provider acquired in pre-pack deal | BUSINESS SALE
Elite Emergency Medical Services Ltd (Elite EMS), an ambulan...
25
|
Apr
|
Tile business old to management team by Norcros | MBO/MBI
Johnson Tiles UK, a tile business based in Stoke-on-Trent, h...
25
|
Apr
|
New private equity owner for fleet hire firm | BUSINESS SALE
West Lancashire-based fleet hire business NRG Riverside has ...
23
|
Feb
|
Business and assets of optician chain acquired from administration | BUSINESS SALE
The business and assets of eyewear and optician chain Ollie ...
15
|
Apr
|
Flybe relaunch moves closer after sale completes | BUSINESS SALE
UK regional airline Flybe is due to relaunch this year after...
21
|
Oct
|
Liverpool safety software firm enters administration | ADMINISTRATION
Gas Tag Ltd, a Liverpool-based tech firm which specialises i...
Business Sale Report is your complete solution to finding great acquisition opportunities.
Join today to receive:
All this and much more, including the latest M&A news and exclusive resources
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.