Jobs at the Peacocks outlet on Lewis seem to have been saved after the debt-
EWM has made a deal with the administrators to buy two thirds of Peacock’s shops.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which is one of the UK’s largest high street chains, has acquired the Peacocks brand, 388 stores and concessions, as well as the business’ headquarters and logistics functions in Wales. The deal has protected around 6,000 jobs in the UK.
The remaining 224 stores were not included in the sale and have ceased trading with immediate effect, resulting in 3,100 redundancies.
Peacocks fell into administration last month after an earlier bid to rescue the chain failed.
The firm’s concession within Stornoway’s Macaulay Road Co-
Chris Laverty, joint administrator and restructuring partner at KPMG, commented: “Today’s deal ensures the continued trading of a well known name on the high street. While it is unfortunate that redundancies have been necessary, we are pleased that we have been able to preserve the majority of the business and jobs.
“Like many other retailers, Peacocks suffered from a decline in consumer spending due to the tough economic conditions and this, combined with a surplus of stores and unsustainable capital structure led to the business becoming financially unviable.
“However, a strong brand presence and loyal customer following meant that Peacocks attracted a great deal of interest from both trade and private equity bidders, leading to today’s successful sale. I would take this opportunity to thank the management team and staff for their continued assistance in very difficult circumstances; their support has been invaluable in securing today’s sale."
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill already has a shop in Stornoway town centre.
Stricken Peacocks’ stores are taken over 22/2/12