Sir Tom Hunter has sold his clothing and footwear chain D2 in a multimillion-pound management buy-out in an effort to 'declutter' West Coast Capital's retail operation.

The chain, which has annual sales of about£60 million, will still be run from Hunter’s West Coast Capital headquarters by eight of the retailer's senior staff.

Speaking on the sale, Hunter said:"We've structured this deal to give the new owners the very best opportunity from which to capitalise on their position in the market and we are sure they'll do well.
This for us is really part of a decluttering strategy. Our business is now largely focussed on sizeable retail investments, alongside a heavy focus on property and international investment.”

D2 managing director Alan Kinney, who played a hand in forming the 80-store chain in 2000, led the buy-out and said he was confident he would now be able to make good progress with the chain despite difficult trading conditions.


"This will give all the team at D2 the opportunity to continue to grow the business and benefit from its long-term success," Kinney said. "Whilst retail is tough right now, our mid-market position and our ability to move fast in delivering fashion to the marketplace will, we are sure, see us move forward positively on the high street."


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