// Exclusive talks between JD Sports and Debenhams come to an end without a deal
// Possibility of administration at Debenhams’ biggest concession holder Arcadia would bring new raft of issues for department store
JD Sports are thought to be winding down talks with administrators at Debenhams, after a period of exclusivity ended without an agreement to save the department store.
Discussions to save Debenhams from collapse intensified this week after it emerged Arcadia could appoint administrators for its fashion retail group, according to City sources cited by Yahoo Finance.
Arcadia is Debenhams’ biggest concession holder, and its fashion brands accounted for an estimated £75 million of Debenhams’ annual sales before the pandemic, according to the Sunday Times.
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Now it is thought JD Sports’ board have had second thoughts on an offer for Debenhams, after learning that Arcadia could be on the brink of calling in the administrators.
Despite JD Sports no longer being in exclusive discussions, sources close to the FTSE 100 retailer cited by Yahoo Finance said it had not withdrawn completely from the process.
If Debenhams’ administrators are unable to strike a deal, the historic retailer could face liquidation.
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