Major US name, Authentic Brands Group, also tipped to have interest in Arcadia and Debenhams.
Primark’s parent, Associated British Foods is reported to be among the big names in the mix to acquire some or all of the brands from the collapsed Arcadia retail empire.
Interest in the Arcadia brands – in particular its Topshop jewel in the crown which has a £200 million price tag, according to reports – is understood to have been high, with names in the frame including online group Boohoo (which is widely seen as favourite to land Topshop), Next, Marks & Spencer, River Island and now Primark owner ABF, according to the Sunday Times.
In addition, ASOS has also been rumoured to be interested in Topshop, although nothing has been confirmed, while Tesco has also been mooted as a possible buyer for Dorothy Perkins, reported The Industry.Fashion.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group is also in the running – it has already declared its interest, while it is also involved in discussions with Debenhams’ liquidator, Hilco, over the purchase of some of the department stores and stock.
Interestingly, should ABF be successful in acquiring any of the Arcadia brands, they would bring with them ecommerce businesses, potentially providing a platform for taking the Primark brand online in some capacity.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that US company, Authentic Brands Group, is believed to be talking to Debenhams’ administrators and looking at Arcadia.
The company already owns or has significant stakes in the likes of Forever 21, Barneys, Brooks Brothers and Lucky Brand among others.
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