Fashion chain Republic go into administration
The fashion chain Republic is expected to fall into administration today, putting 1,000 UK jobs at risk.
Yesterday, it was reported that the group had already lined up Ernst & Young to handle the administration.
It is not yet clear whether Republic's two Dublin stores at Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown are affected.
Republic, which is owned by private equity firm TPG, started in Leeds in England as a men’s denim retailer in 1986 and now has around 120 stores selling mens and womenswear brands including G-Star, Diesel and Firetrap.
Its woes follow a bleak start to the year for the retail sector, with a series of high-profile firms having hit the wall.
Thousands of jobs have been axed after music retailer HMV, camera group Jessops and DVD and games rental group Blockbuster called in administrators last month.
It is understood that Republic has suffered amid poor trading in recent months, given the recent consumer spending pressures and its focus on the north of England – an area that has been hit particularly badly by the recession.
Chairman Andy Bond, a former Asda boss, is said to have stepped down last week having handed in his notice last year after less than two years.
The chain recently hired ex-TK Maxx boss Paul Sweetenham as chief executive.
TPG bought Republic in June 2010 in a deal worth around £300m, with the founders understood to have retained a significant stake.
E&Y and Republic declined to comment.
