News

13/1/11: British Bookshops files for administration

British Bookshops and Stationers (BBS), trading from 51 stores across the South and South East of England, has gone into administration today.

BBS was the subject of a management buy-out early in 2010, but has struggled against a continuingly difficult market background.  The chain’s trading performance declined in the latter part of 2010.  Bad weather also severely impacted Christmas sales, which came in below expectations.  

As a result of the company’s financial difficulties, Simon Appell, Fraser Gray and Stuart Mackellar of Zolfo Cooper have been appointed as administrators.  GA Europe, the leading restructuring specialist, will assist the administrators by operating the stores, whilst Zolfo Cooper considers the options available to BBS.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Gavin George       GA Europe    020 3178 4760
European Managing Director

For further information relating to the administration, please contact:

Peter Roberts      020 7413 3232
zolfocooperpressoffice@hillandknowlton.com