Touker Suleyman joins race to rescue Claire's UK as Modella and HMV owner circle

"Dragons' Den investor Touker Suleyman has emerged as one of the leading contenders to acquire the UK arm of Claire's out of administration, with a proposal understood to preserve the Birmingham head office and a significant proportion of the store estate. The bid is being weighed against rival interest from Modella Capital and Doug Putman, the Sunrise Records owner who rescued HMV in 2019."

"Claire's entered administration on 13 August 2025, placing 2,150 jobs and 306 stores (278 in the UK, 28 in Ireland) at risk. Interpath Advisory is keeping shops open while a buyer is sought, though online sales have been suspended during the process. Modella Capital, which has tabled an offer for Claire's UK according to Sky News, has been one of the most active retail investors of the past two years."

"The UK sale process is unfolding as Claire's North American assets and intellectual property are set to transfer to Ames Watson under a deal announced on 20 August and now before the US and Canadian courts. Any UK transaction is therefore expected to require coordination with Ames Watson as IP owner. Administrators at Interpath are running a competitive auction. Hilco Capital has re‑entered the frame after initially stepping back, adding to a crowded field of suitors."

Touker Suleyman is a leading contender to acquire Claire's UK with a proposal to preserve the Birmingham head office and many stores. Rival interest includes Modella Capital and Doug Putman. Claire's entered administration on 13 August 2025, putting 2,150 jobs and 306 stores at risk. Interpath Advisory is keeping shops open while online sales are suspended as buyers are sought. Claire's North American assets and intellectual property are set to transfer to Ames Watson, so any UK deal will likely require coordination with Ames Watson as IP owner. Administrators are running a competitive auction with Hilco Capital and other bidders. The UK business lost £4m on £137m sales to February 2024 amid competition and shifting consumer spending.

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