Cath Kidston warns of collapse putting 800 jobs at risk

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Fashion and homeware chain Cath Kidston warns of collapse putting 800 jobs at risk

By Daily Mail City & Finance Reporter

Published: | Updated:

Cath Kidston is looking for a buyer to save the business and up to 800 jobs just days after Laura Ashley went under. 

The fashion and homeware chain, known for its floral designs, has appointed restructuring experts to work on a strategic review. 

Insolvency is believed to be an option as shoppers desert the High Street ahead of tighter restrictions on the movement of people in the UK. 

Jobs threat: Cath Kidston, known for its floral designs, has appointed restructuring experts to work on a strategic review

The first Cath Kidston store was opened by a British designer of the same name in Holland Park, west London, in 1993, selling ‘car boot finds’ and vintage fabric. 

She made a multi-million pound fortune after selling a stake to American private equity firm TA Associates. 

The American firm sold its stake to another investment firm, Baring Private Equity Asia, which hoped to expand in Asia. 

The company now has 200 stores in 16 different countries, but still makes two-thirds of its sales in the UK. 

In 2018, the most recent accounts, the company made a £19.6million loss on £130.7million of sales. 

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