Debenhams to enter administration in the UK

The company has a number of outlets in Ireland but it is unclear at this stage what impact the administration will have on operations here.
Debenhams to enter administration in the UK

Department store chain Debenhams said it has filed a notice of intent to appoint an administrator to protect it from the threat of legal action during the coronavirus emergency.

It said legal action could have had the effect of pushing the business into liquidation while its 142 UK stores remain closed during the national lockdown.

The company has a number of outlets in Ireland but they are not impacted by the administration.

Debenhams' lenders took control of the retailer in April last year in an effort to keep stores open. They have since shut due to the outbreak but continue to trade online.

In response to the Sky News report, a spokesman for Debenhams said the retailer was 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," he said.

"While our stores remain closed in line with government guidance, and the majority of our store-facing colleagues have been furloughed, our website continues to trade."

- Reuters

More in this section

FILE PHOTO The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has cleared the purchase of Goodbody Stockbrokers by AIB END Goodbody Stockbrokers fined over €1.2m by Central Bank over rules breaches
Nottingham City Centre Stock Irish staff at the Body Shop wait for wages as retailer shuts stores in the Republic
Ryanair comments on Norwegian Ryanair boss O'Leary's spat with Transport Minister over Dublin Airport escalates
IE logo
Devices


UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE IRISH EXAMINER FOR TEAMS AND ORGANISATIONS
FIND OUT MORE

The Business Hub
Newsletter

News and analysis on business, money and jobs from Munster and beyond by our expert team of business writers.

Sign up
ie logo
Puzzles Logo

Play digital puzzles like crosswords, sudoku and a variety of word games including the popular Word Wheel

Lunchtime News
Newsletter

Keep up with the stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited