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![\"Superdry\"](\"https:\/\/www.retailgazette.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1476405035-1024x683-1-696x464.jpg\" "\\"Superdry\\"\/")
<\/div>\nSuperdry chief executive and co-founder Julian Dunkerton is considering a possible takeover deal for the struggling fashion retailer.<\/p>\n
The company said on Friday that Dunkerton, who owns a 20% stake, \u201cis engaged in discussions with potential financing partners\u201d to fund a cash offer for the business.<\/p>\n
However, it stressed that talks were at a preliminary stage and no decisions had been made.<\/p>\n
Dunkerton has until close of business on 1 March to announce whether he intends to make an offer for Superdry.<\/p>\n
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free<\/strong><\/h5>\nSign up\u00a0here\u00a0to g<\/span>et the latest news straight into your inbox each morning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nSpeculation about a possible take-private deal increased this week after it emerged that Norwegian hedge fund First Seagull had snapped up a 5.3% stake in the hope of a buyout.<\/p>\n
It is thought that the investor considers the fashion retailer to be ripe for a bid following various profit warnings over the last year knocking down its share price.<\/p>\n
Superdry\u2019s share price has plunged 64% over the past 12 months,\u00a0extending to 91% since 2019.<\/p>\n
Dunkerton admitted last week that the retailer is facing a \u201cdifficult period\u201d ahead after it posted widening losses.<\/p>\n
Softer trading resulted in Superdry\u2019s adjusted pre-tax loss widening from \u00a313.6m to \u00a325.3m in the six months to 28 October, after sales plunged 23.5% to \u00a3219.8m.<\/p>\n
The business is currently working with PwC advisers to explore its options, including a company voluntary arrangement or other forms of restructuring, under a move that could lead to job cuts and store closures.<\/p>\n
Speculation about a possible take-private deal increased this week after it emerged that Norwegian hedge fund First Seagull had snapped up a 5.3% stake in the hope of a buyout.<\/p>\n
It is thought that the investor considers the fashion retailer to be ripe for a bid following various profit warnings over the last year knocking down its share price.<\/p>\n
Superdry\u2019s share price has plunged 64% over the past 12 months,\u00a0extending to 91% since 2019.<\/p>\n
Dunkerton admitted last week that the retailer is facing a \u201cdifficult period\u201d ahead after it posted widening losses.<\/p>\n
Softer trading resulted in Superdry\u2019s adjusted pre-tax loss widening from \u00a313.6m to \u00a325.3m in the six months to 28 October, after sales plunged 23.5% to \u00a3219.8m.<\/p>\n
The business is currently working with PwC advisers to explore its options, including a company voluntary arrangement or other forms of restructuring, under a move that could lead to job cuts and store closures.<\/p>\n