‘Iconic’ Derby department store sold out of administration

Stricken Derby department store Bennetts has been sold out of administration to London Sole.

London Sole is part of a group of companies owned by Charles James Associates whose other business interests include French Sole, the British shoe brand.

Paul Mallatratt, joint Administrator, said “We are very pleased to have achieved a sale of the business in such challenging economic conditions and to be able to handover the business to new long-term owners, who wish to ensure the iconic Bennetts brand continues to have a strong presence on Irongate.

“We look forward to seeing how Bennetts develops over the coming months and would again like to thank the public and staff for their continued support during the administration process.”

David Howick, director of London Sole, said: “We are delighted to take ownership of the iconic Bennetts store in Irongate and are proud to have acquired the store with its wealth of history and tradition. We are keen to revive and develop the store while ensuring everything that is loved about the Bennetts brand remains intact.”