M&S Move For Jaeger Could Trigger Scramble To Snap Up Fashion Brands

M&S Move For Jaeger Could Trigger Scramble To Snap Up Fashion Brands

Jaeger is a target for M&S, but it is the brand, not the stores, it wants. (Photo by: Geography ... [+] Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)



Universal Images Group via Getty Images

U.K. fashion and food retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is closing in on a deal to buy Jaeger, the loss-making fashion brand which is among a host of U.K. fashion retailers that have fallen victim to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

M&S could sign an agreement to acquire the classic womenswear brand Jaeger as soon as the end of this week.

However, M&S's deal is only expected to involve the acquisition of Jaeger's brand and stock, not its 63 stores and concessions that remained in place following the initial closure of 13 shops in November.

And its acquisition could trigger a scramble among potential U.K. and U.S. investors, who are circling a number of well-known high street fashion retailers currently in administration

Jaeger was part of the fashion empire owned by Dubai-based Philip Day, who appointed administrators for his Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group (EWM)



EWM

Group in November. EWM also owned Peacocks, Austin Reed, and