McGregor Fashion Group Holding, the Dutch company that owns Gaastra, has started holding talks with potential investors and buyers for all or parts of its business after it obtained court protection from creditors earlier this month. McGregor acquired a majority share in Gaastra, the nautical brand, in 2000. A spokesman said that the suspension of payments relates to the holding company and Adam Menswear, a fashion brand that also retails the Gaastra and McGregor brands. However, other operating companies aren't part of the proceedings and all stores remain open. The group runs 150 stores, 80 of them in the Netherlands and Belgium. It reportedly managed annual sales in the range of €235 million. Jeroen Schothorst stepped down a few weeks ago as chief executive, to be replaced by Armin Broger. The company's troubles come after several other failures in Dutch retailing in recent months – with the bankruptcy of V&D department stores as well as the Unlimited Sports Group, the owner of the Perry Sport and Aktiesport stores.

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