BHS administration: 'Imminent bankruptcy' puts 11,000 jobs at risk
Talks regarding a £60m deal with investment firm Gordon Brothers have collapsed
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.BHS could file for administration as soon as Monday, after the high-street department store failed to secure a financial rescue package.
Talks regarding a £60m deal with investment firm Gordon Brothers have collapsed, meaning its entire 11,000 workforce is potentially at risk.
The loss-making company, founded as a single shop in Brixton in 1928, was bought last year from high street mogul, Sir Philip Green, who also owns Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, for just £1.
Sports Direct are considering the purchase of some of BHS's 164 stores, but it is understood any buyer would only do so if it did not have to take on its £571m pension deficit – part of the retailer's debts of more than £1.3bn.
Last month the company appeared to have been rescued from the brink after creditors, including landlords, voted to accept a cut in the store rents,
But a source told MailOnline that the "money has now dried up and the business will go under".
They continued: "The cash that the company was expecting to receive after the restructuring last month has not materialised.
"The company has been trying to nail down a plan to keep the chain afloat for the past month after landlords and suppliers agreed to support the firm by scrapping existing contracts.
"But a £60 million plan to raise funds from lender Gordon Brothers stalled last week and a last minute bid to sell shop leases to Sports Direct is also understood to have floundered."
BHS could not be reached for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments