Shoosmiths to advise administrators after Wilko collapse

Shoosmiths’ corporate restructuring and advisory team has been appointed by PwC to advise on its administration of Wilko.

The Nottinghamshire-headquartered retail giant was unable to secure a rescue deal after struggling for months and appointed administrators last Thursday, putting 12,000 jobs and 400 stores at risk.

Administrators at PwC, Jane Steer, Zelf Hussain and Eddie Williams, called up James Keates, head of Shoosmiths corporate restructuring and advisory team, who will be leading the advice from its 103 Colmore Row office. Keates is supported by partners Aaron Harlow and Lee Sennett.

PwC set a deadline for initial offers for stores and assets by the end of Wednesday for the 93-year-old family business and is expected to select a smaller group for a second round of bids by Friday.

Shoosmiths recently advised administrators from PwC on the sale of Cath Kidston to Next.