Republic in possible sale

British clothing retailer Republic is in talks with Change Capital Partners about a possible sale. Change Capital is the buyout firm founded by former chairman and chief executive of Marks & Spencer, Luc Vandevelde. Republic could sell for as much as £100 million. The West Yorkshire-based company, which is backed by private equity firm 3i, carries various fashion brands in stores, including Replay, G-Star and FCUK, as well as its own Republic range.

The company has, which was founded in 1985, 60 stores in the UK. Another former chief executive of M&S, Roger Holmes, who now works at Change Capital, is believed to be involved in the strategic development at Republic.