London’s Selfridges asks Central Group for support after collapse of Signa

From Fortune:

The owner of London’s Selfridges, Cambridge Properties Holding Limited, is seeking cash from parent company Central Group due to the insolvency of co-owner Signa. Selfridges says the crisis won’t affect operations, but the potential financial support is uncertain. Central Group has provided financing in the past and is now in talks for future support. There’s potential cash crunch at Selfridges, a fallout from the Signa empire. The Thai company converted a shareholder loan to equity on the operating side and a similar conversion may occur to the property side. Cambridge Properties has external bank loans and mezzanine loans from Central Group. The company says Signa Prime’s financial distress may affect its ability to provide support. Signa Prime, Signa Holding, and Signa Development have all filed for insolvency. Accounting firm KPMG reviewed the company’s accounts and found no concerns with fraud but warned of risks. Selfridges’ current owners paid close to £4 billion for it, but it’s now grappling with cash issues due to Signa’s insolvency. Harry Gordon Selfridge founded the iconic store in 1908, known for its Oxford Street outlet. Three other stores in Manchester and Birmingham also carry the Selfridges name.



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