JD Sports have saved 160 jobs by salvaging collapsed fashion retailer Ark out of administration.
40 redundancies have resulted after four “uneconomic” Ark stores were closed in Cambridge, Norwich, Merry Hill and the Hearts and Bows store in Manchester.
However, Ark, which was founded in Leeds in 1992, will continue to trade from its Leeds Head office and the management team has been kept.
Ark fell into administration on Tuesday but joint administrators David Acland and Lila Thomas negotiated the deal.
Acland said: “This sale has protected a large number of vital jobs in the retail sector and enables JD Sports to continue its ambitious expansion plans.”
It is no secret that many retail businesses are facing a hugely challenging environment at the moment, and this deal is a welcome piece of good news for the sector.” JD Sports Fashion spokesman said: “We look forward to supporting the established management team to develop the business further.”
Tom Edge, director of Rett Retail which owns Ark, added: “It‘s the best deal for all those involved in Rett Retail and we look forward to working with them for an exciting future.”
