The future of retail: UK consumer attracts global interest
THE UK retail sector might be hugely competitive but it is proving attractive to overseas investors.
Around 40% of the mid-market deals in the sector last year were completed by international companies.
Gareth Iley, partner in Clearwater Corporate Finance’s consumer team, said: “Both UK and overseas corporates are acquiring for a number of reasons, including to establish a market presence, grow market share, acquire particular capabilities or access brands that have the capability to be grown globally.”
The increasing global interest in the UK high street is covered in more detail in “The future of retail”, a new free 19-page supplement, available to download here, from TheBusinessDesk.com in partnership with Deloitte and DWF.
Retailers entering administration are attracting the interests of overseas suppliers looking to safeguard their route to the UK market while established retailers overseas are also targeting the British consumer.
Chinese mens fashion retailer Bosideng International is to open a new store and European headquarters in London this summer.
Greg Styles, head of retail development at the Leeds office of property agent Colliers, said: “New overseas retailers, when they come to this country, start in London and one or two regional shopping centres and then spin out more widely.”
