Chinese footwear company C.banner International Holdings is in advanced talk to acquire toy retailer Hamleys in a deal that could be worth £100m.
C.banner said it was interested in Hamleys as a way of diversifying its activities. It also said it was interested in a strategic partnership that would allow it to use House of Fraser stores to distribute toys and children’s products. House of Fraser was acquired by another Chinese company, Sanpower, last year.
No definitive agreement has been entered into, but C.banner said it was finalising definitive documentation and a legally binding agreement could come soon.
The Guardian, p. 13
The Independent, p. 55
