Comet’s pension fund is likely to become a key subject of discussion in the next phase of talks between owner Kesa and potential buyers of the electricals retailer.
First round bids for loss-making Comet were due to be tabled as Retail Week went to press and restructuring specialist GA Europe and Hilco, as well as turnaround private equity house OpCapita, were all expected to indicate continued interest.
Sources said that lack of clarity at present about how the issue of the pension fund – which was £49m in deficit at the time of Comet’s prelims in June – would be resolved could present a stumbling block to a sale.
They also said that Kesa might be expected to pay a dowry of between £100m and £200m to get Comet off its hands. No comment was available from Kesa.
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