The Original Factory Shop denies sale rumour

Value UK retailer The Original Factory Shop has squashed reports today that the chain has been put up for sale by private equity owner Duke Street Capital.

A spokesperson for the 134-store chain issued the following statement: “Following media speculation regarding a sale of The Original Factory Shop, Duke Street would like to state that it is not running a sale process for the company. There is considerable potential for growth of the business and Duke Street will continue to work with the management to maximise these opportunities.”

The statement follows a report this morning by the Daily Telegraph that the chain would be put on the market by its private equity owner Duke Street capital with a price tag of up to £200 million.

The Original Factory Shop was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black's selling over-makes and seconds manufactured for M&S.Now with stores nationwide, the retailer offers a wide range of merchandise including ladieswear, menswear, kidswear, sportswear, football, electricals, homewares, toys and gifts, beauty and fragrance at discounted prices.

The spokesperson also denied that KPMG had been appointed as the retailer’s advisor for the sale.