The Ted Baker UK and European retail and online business is set to call in administrators for its UK business in the latest British fashion sector collapse.
Hundreds of jobs are expected to be at risk as an independent director of No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), the holding company for Ted Baker’s retail and online operations in the UK and Europe, filed for intention to appoint administrators to the business. Parent company Authentic Brands Group, which bought Ted Baker 18 months ago, said the business ended up with “a significant level of arrears”.
“Despite our tireless efforts, the damage done during a period under AARC in which NODL built up a significant level of arrears was too much to overcome,” said Authentic’s chief strategy and transition officer John McNamara.
“We wish that there could have been a better outcome for the Ted Baker employees and stakeholders. It is hopefully some consolation for customers that NODL will continue to trade online and in stores.
“We remain focused on securing a new partner to uphold and grow the Ted Baker brand in the UK and Europe where it began.”
The Telegraph had reported last month that the business was close to collapse, and was considering briging in Teneo for restructuring.
The collapse would be the latest business failure in British fashion, a little over a week after Frasers put retailer Matches Fashion into administration. Other recent high-profile companies to go bust include Hunter Boot andFarFetch. It comes just 18 months after Ted Baker was acquired by Authentic Brands Group. Many more household names in the sector, such as Superdry, have struggled even if they have not collapseded completely.
Authentic also owns brands such as Billabong, Eddie Bauer and Forever 21. It bought Ted Baker, which had previously been publicly traded, in 2022 in a deal worth £211 million. It reportedly stepped in last year with additional help as Ted Baker struggled for funding.
Today’s news comes weeks after the end of its partnership with Dutch firm AARC, which ran Ted Baker’s shops and online business in Europe.
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