The owner of Poundland, the British discount retailer, is among the parties running the slide rule over Radley, the British handbag brand whose customers include well-known figures such as Pippa Middleton.
MEZIESBLOG understands that Gordon Brothers has emerged as one of the potential bidders for private equity-backed Radley.
The brand has been put up for sale by Freshstream, the private equity firm which has owned Radley for a decade.
Talks recently got under way with prospective buyers including Gordon Brothers, which has also owned British fashion brands including Laura Ashley.
Last month, Sky News revealed that Freshstream was working with FTI Consulting on a review of strategic options for Radley.
The appointment of City advisers came several months after Radley posted a loss of £2.2m for the year to April 2025.
According to accounts filed last November, the company paid to surrender leases early on three shops in the US.
The US accounts for roughly 15% of group revenues, which fell to £65.8m from £72m in the previous year.
Bregal Freshstream, as the firm was known at the time, acquired Radley from Exponent, another private equity house.
Founded by Australian designer Lowell Harder in the late 1990s from a stall in Camden Market, London, Radley won a celebrity following which included the likes of Paloma Faith.
The company is currently run by chief executive Nick Vance.
A source close to Radley said it was exploring new investment or ownership, but cautioned that no decisions had been taken.
A similar review took place last year but did not lead to formal talks with prospective buyers.
The company has placed greater emphasis on upgrading its digital operations in recent years to embrace an omnichannel retail model.
Gordon Brothers did not respond to a request for comment, while Radley declined to comment.
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