Plus-size fashion chain, valued at 50 million pounds

Yours Clothing, a chain of boutiques for plus-size women is, could be in for a 50 million pound payday. Founder Andrew Killingsworth is considering selling a stake in Yours Clothing, which is based in Peterborough and operates over 80 stores.

The company has hired Grant Thornton to assess its options, sources said. Killingsworth began his brand with a market stall in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, in 1994. The retailer made profits of 1.9 million pounds in the year to February, opening seven outlets in the Middle East during the period.

It received nearly 2 million pounds funding from Barclays to back its expansion plans last year. Industry sources estimated the company could be worth more than 50 million pounds.

Another retailer for larger women could also change hands in the new year. Long Tall Sally, aimed at women taller than 5 feet 8 inch, is working with advisers at Financo to weigh up its future. The company is owned by Amery Capital,which is run by former Marks & Spencer director Maurice Helfgott and backed by retail entrepreneurs Michael and Maurice Bennett, the brothers behind brands such as Phase Eight, Oasis and Warehouse.

Helfgott said Long Tall Sally was in the early stages of considering its “strategic” options. The retailer, which opened its first store in London in 1976, now sells two-thirds of its clothes online, and has operations in America and Germany. Sources said Long Tall Sally would be worth about 30 million pounds and could attract the interest of British buyout firms.