Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Matalan couple net pounds 23m

Andrew Yates
Thursday 07 May 1998 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

JOHN Hargreaves, founder and executive chairman of Matalan, the out-of-town clothing retail chain, and his wife Anne-Marie have raised pounds 23m through selling part of their stake to financial institutions. Mr Hargreaves and his family still own around 65 per cent of the group, which will be valued at more than pounds 128m when it floats on the stock market next Thursday.

Angus Monro, Matalan's chief executive, and Ian Smith, finance director, stand to become millionaires from the flotation. Mr Monro will own shares worth pounds 3.2m, having exercised options and could receive more worth pounds 1.9m. Mr Smith is sitting on shares worth almost pounds 2m and is entitled to up to pounds 600,000 worth of shares under the option scheme.

Matalan has been priced at pounds 196.7m, equivalent to 235p a share. It will start trading on a historical multiple of nearly 20 times earnings.

Matalan sells branded goods such as Calvin Klein and Nike at knockdown prices. Mr Hargreaves, who started selling from a market stall, has presided over the rapid expansion of Matalan in recent years. The group is raising more than pounds 10m to grow its chain of stores.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in