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The Latest Breaking News from Modella Capital

What is Modella Capital? Firm in spotlight as Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop face collapse

Investment firm that also bought WH Smith’s high street business has reputation for rapid and hard-nosed restructuring

The Guardian - UK

Two high street chains collapse into administration

IN FULL

The Independent UK

Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop collapse into administration with 2,500 jobs at risk

Owner Modella Capital said it had been a ‘very tough decision’

The Independent UK

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Which high street brands closed stores in 2025?

A raft of major UK retail and hospitality brand shut down stores across the UK this year, amid pressure on consumer finances and rising costs.

Evening Standard

The high street brands that closed stores in 2025

From Claire’s to Pizza Hut

The Independent UK

Fashion retailer may close stores despite rescue deal

IN FULL

The Independent UK

Half of Claire’s stores in UK and Ireland bought in rescue deal but jobs still at risk

Modella Capital warns of ‘inevitable’ closures and job losses at accessories chain while administrators run remaining stores Business live – latest updates

The Guardian - UK

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More than 140 Claire’s Accessories stores saved by new rescue deal

More than 140 stores, however, remain at risk

The Independent UK

Modella to buy 156 Claire’s Accessories stores in rescue deal

However, the future of 145 stores not included in the deal remains uncertain.

Evening Standard

Owner of WH Smith’s high street chain frontrunner to buy Claire’s UK business

Claire’s appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business last month after filing for bankruptcy in the US.

The Independent UK

Hobbycraft Stores Closing in Major Restructure Amid Online Sales Surge: Full List of Branches Affected

Hobbycraft is closing nine UK stores after a major restructuring under Modella Capital, citing rising costs and a 58% surge in online sales.

International Business Times UK

Full list of Hobbycraft closures as retailer confirms more shops to go

As part of a significant reorganisation, Hobbycraft is closing nine locations throughout the UK

Evening Standard

WH Smith cuts sale price of high street business by £12m

Modella Capital negotiates price downwards after weaker trading in recent weeks

The Guardian - UK

The big change looming for WH Smith shoppers

IN FULL

The Independent UK

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news in one place.

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The Independent UK

WH Smith could disappear from UK high streets within weeks

The iconic British chain will see all its high street stores renamed

Evening Standard

WH Smith to complete sale of high street chain within weeks

The sale to Modella Capital will mean the WH Smith name disappears from British high streets and is replaced by brand TGJones.

Evening Standard

June 2025 shop closures - full list revealed

Several beloved British shops will close for good in coming weeks

International Business Times UK

Complete List Of Hobbycraft Stores Closing: 250 Employees In Danger Of Losing Their Jobs

Up to 27 Hobbycraft stores may close, threatening 250 jobs as the retailer battles retail challenges. Can this crafting icon survive?

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news in one place.

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Evening Standard

Hobbycraft to shut nine stores and axe up to 126 jobs

Private equity firm owner Modella Capital is launching the overhaul after buying the arts and crafts retailer in August last year.

The National (Scotland)

Major highstreet chain set to close multiple stores with more than 100 jobs axed

THE owner of the popular arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft is reportedly drawing up plans to close multiple stores across the UK ...

The Independent UK

WH Smith growth plans in focus after sale of high street stores

Last month, WH Smith announced that Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital will buy its high street arm for around £76 million.

Evening Standard

WH Smith growth plans in focus after sale of high street stores

Last month, WH Smith announced that Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital will buy its high street arm for around £76 million.

The Guardian - UK

‘WH Smith wasn’t just a workplace’: ex-staff and shoppers on the high street chain

With the brand to disappear from town and city streets, readers share their memories of how it touched their lives

Euronews

Retailer WH Smith to be wiped off UK high streets soon following sale

This move comes as a fresh blow to the UK high street, which has been struggling to recover from the pandemic, witnessing a number of big name closures such as Debenhams.

Evening Standard

What is TG Jones and why is WH Smith changing its name?

WH Smith’s name will remain the same at airport and train station branches

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