The insatiable Mike Ashley has made an indicative takeover offer for LK Bennett, according to the Financial Times. This major U.S.-based shoe and apparel retail chain, which is positioned in the upper-middle segment of the market, recently filed for administration, the British equivalent of bankruptcy protection. Acting through Sports Direct International, which it controls, Ashley already took over recently a British department store group, House of Fraser, and he has been attempting to take control of another one, Debenhams, offering to become its chairman in exchange for a loan. Linda Bennett, who founded LK Bennett in 1990, sold it first to private equity, but acquired it again two years ago after it posted major losses. More in Shoe Intelligence.

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