Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton has approached prominent US investor Davidson Kempner as he assembles an offer to take the ailing fashion chain private.
Dunkerton is understood to be in discussions with the Oak Furnitureland owner about backing an offer for the retailer, Sky News reported.
Talks are at a preliminary stage and there is no guarantee of a formal agreement between the Superdry founder and the private equity firm, who has previously backed several other UK retailers including Jojo Maman Bebe and New Look.
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Davidson Kempner is one of several firms looking at Dunkerton’s proposals after it emerged he wanted to buy the majority stake in Superdry that he does not already own.
Dunkerton, who owns less than 30% of the fashion chain, is also understood to be in talks with Gordon Brothers, which owns Laura Ashley, and Rcapital, which previously owned Paperchase, about backing his take-private bid.
He has until close of business on 1 March to announce whether he intends to make an offer for Superdry.
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