Aahley on The Guardian website28 Mar 2019 19:03
enhams’ problems partly stemmed from heavy debts and expensive lease agreements signed during a period of private equity ownership before the credit crunch hit. But he points out that sorting out the group’s financial problems won’t make the business more attractive to shoppers, who have been deserting in their droves.
Sports Direct insiders insist that Ashley is serious about a proper bid and is lining up options to refinance Debenhams’ debt.
Ashley has said he has the “first-class leadership” skills to turn Debenhams around. He reckons that his experience and retail muscle as the owner of a string of retailers including Flannels, Evans Cycles and USC, as well as Sports Direct, will both improve trading and help him demand better deals from landlords.