It has been reported that the founder of struggling high street brand French Connection may consider selling the business to international retailers and private equity firms as they continue to make offers.

Figures show that the company has reported losses for five years in a row losing £3.5 million in 2015. Founder, Stephen Marks who owns a 41% stake in the business, has previously refused to discuss French Connection’s poorly sales, however, may now be open to negotiations, as the company has sought advice from investment boutique Moelis.

Owning an 8% stake in the company, Gatemore has been putting the retail brand under substantial pressure and has criticised the owner for taking a joint role and failing to turn round continual decreasing sales.
Also, an unnamed retail source has suggested that Marks would ask for nearly three times its current market value of £32 million.

Liad Meidar, managing director of Gatemore, said: “We can see that any bidder would see value in this brand and if there is a process then we would support it as we have been advocates for a change of management.”