// Matalan acknowledges it may not be able to continue trading if it is unable to finance its debts by January
// The retailer said talks with lenders were “at an advanced stage” and that it believed it could complete the refinancing in time
Matalan has confirmed that it may not be able to continue operating if it cannot finance a significant amount of its debts by January, despite a recovery in trading.
The fashion retailer has already replaced a revolving credit facility and £16.7m borrowed under the government’s Covid-19 loan scheme with a new £60m credit facility, and plans to repay £27m of high-interest loan notes from its cash reserves.
But according to FT, a much larger £350m tranche of secured debt falls due for repayment early next year and will need refinancing.
READ MORE:
- Over 700 jobs lost at Matalan despite sales surpassing £1bn
- Matalan lenders line up advisers ahead of crunch refinancing talks
The Liverpool-based business which has more than 200 stores, stated that “the ability to successfully refinance our debts involves geopolitical, economic and market factors outside the direct control of the business”.
This uncertainty “may cast significant doubt on the group’s . . . ability to continue as a going concern”.
Debt markets for borrowers in Europe remains largely stagnant following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, although there is increased activity in the US.
Matalan previously hoped for debt refinancing back in February but failed to secure sufficient support.
Unlike those businesses, which were suffering from declining sales and weak margins when they recapitalised, Matalan is trading strongly.
Results for the year to February showed that sales rose 38% to £1 billion in the 12 months to the end of February.
And its pre-tax losses narrowed to just £7.7 million from £131.5 million a year earlier.
Matalan is controlled by the family of Monaco-based founder John Hargreaves, which may make any restructuring simpler.
Hargreaves has already extended financial support to the retailer by buying and leasing back its head office for £25m.
He has also converted £50m of its debt into payment-in-kind notes, which allow interest to be rolled up instead of paid out. Some £27m of interest has now accrued on these.
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