Thu, 29 Jan 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
The assets of fashion retailer LK Bennett have been acquired out of administration after it filed to appoint administrators earlier this month. Founded 35 years ago with a boutique in Wimbledon, LK Bennett developed a strong brand that helped it to stand out in a market dominated by many larger counterparts and proved particularly popular among fashion influencers.
Despite its strong industry standing, the company experienced a turbulent few years, previously falling into administration in 2019 due to rising business rates. Following a rescue deal, the company experienced several years of growth, opening a number of key stores, returning to profitability and moving to a new flagship store and headquarters on Bond Street, London.
However, an increasingly challenging retail environment affected the company’s business and these problems intensified last year, amid weak consumer confidence and escalating costs, resulting in its administration. At the time of its collapse, the company operated from nine standalone stores and 13 concessions across the UK and Ireland.
In the year to January 27 2024, LK Bennett reported revenue of £42.1 million, down from approximately £48.8 million a year earlier, while falling from an operating profit of £2.8 million to a loss of £2.3 million.
Restructuring and investment firm Gordon Brothers have now acquired the global LK Bennett brand, along with related intellectual property assets, from the joint administrators of LK Bennett Fashion Limited.
Following the acquisition, Gordon Brothers intend to explore a number of go-to-market strategies, with a focus on expanding the brand via marketing, building relationships with retailers and growing the business’ portfolio of licensees and franchisees.
Gordon Brothers intends to focus on transitioning the brand to an asset-light model, in a similar way as it did with Laura Ashley. Other brands owned by the US-based firm include Nicole Miller, Telefunken and Rachel Zoe.
Tobias Nanda, head of brands at Gordon Brothers, said: "We are excited to add LK Bennett to our portfolio of brands and proud to steward the brand into the next phase of growth bringing LK Bennett's modern luxury to both long-time followers and new customers from around the world."
Nimit Shah, Managing Director, EMEA at Gordon Brothers, added: "We are delighted to provide a solution to the administrators that both ensures value to the estate and preserves the longevity of this iconic British brand. We believe the LK Bennett brand is capable of reinvigoration under a new asset-light model."
In its latest accounts, LK Bennett’s non-current assets were valued at £2.7 million and current assets at £24 million, while net liabilities totalled approximately £3.5 million.
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