Speculation that House of Fraser could be taken over by Qatari investors surges as sources say a deal could be worth more than £300 million. Citing City sources, the Daily Mail this weekend reported Qatari investors had been involved with talks concerning the acquisition of House of Fraser for several weeks.

Posted by Ava Szajna

Read more…

Marks & Spencer reportedly considered making a bid for fashion label Jaeger last year, as the department store looked to boost its fashion credentials. According to a report by the Daily Mail, M&S chief executive Marc Bolland is said to have considered putting together an offer for Jaeger before it was bought by private equity group Better Capital in April 2012.

Posted by Ava Szajna

Read more…

Italian supermarket group Conad is thought to be considering a bid for Carrefour’s business in Italy. According to reports by Italian daily Il Messaggero, the Bolognese supermarket chain may already be in talks with banks to advise on how to begin a take-over, which could involve buying Carrefour’s Italian operations on its own or with other Italian supermarket groups.

Posted by Ava Szajna

Read more…

Sports Direct founder and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley intends to expand his business into the fashion market. According to the Mail on Sunday, Ashley is working with his new investment director, Jeff Blue, as they examine a number of possible acquistions including popular fashion brands Ben Sherman, Lambretta and Merc.

Posted by Ryan Legge

Read more…

Apple Inc.'s iPhone 5.

Posted by Ava Szajna

Read more…

The world’s second largest retailer is pulling out of Colombia, another non-core country as it looks to better defend its key markets. In a deal which would be the biggest ever taken on by a Chilean firm abroad, Cencosud will pay USD 2.6 billion for Carrefour’s Colombian assets, including 72 hypermarkets, 16 convenience stores and 4 cash and carry stores.

Posted by Ava Szajna

Read more…

In a move becoming increasingly controversial with landlords in the UK, United Carpets has undergone a pre-pack administration as it attempts to cut its rent bill. The company placed its many subsidiary United Carpets (Northern) Limited, into administration, before immediately buying back the majority of its assets and all 72 of its stores in the UK.

Read more…

Speculation over renewed interest in Sainsbury’s drove shares up yet again as reports suggest Qatari investors are pursuing a fresh bid for the retailer. The UK’s third largest supermarket saw shares rise 1.4p to 349.2p by mid-morning on Tuesday, as rumours the Qataris are in talks with representatives of the Sainsbury family sparked interest in the grocer.

Read more…

Natalie Massenet, founder and chairman of Net-a-Porter, is set to add another role to her résumé, as reports circulate that the entrepreneur will be named the next chairman of the British Fashion Council. According to the Business of Fashion, Massenet will replace Harold Tillman as the chairman of the esteemed organisation, assuming the role sometime in 2013.

Read more…

Self-dubbed ‘university outfitters’ Jack Wills has left speculation rife over a possible sale or floatation after the clothing retailer announced a new chief operating officer. Former Vodafone and Carphone Warehouse executive Wendy Becker will join the apparel group as chief operating officer, in a move many see to suggest the group is preparing to sell a stake or preparing to float the business next year.

Read more…