Central’s search for new Selfridges partner goes on, reportedly in talks with possible buyers

Middle Eastern and Chinese investors are reportedly eyeing a Selfridges stake as Thailand-based Central Group continues to seek an owner-partner to replace failed co-owner Signa.

Central is aiming for a partner to buy out Signa’s remaining holding and The Times reported that it’s talking to several sovereign wealth funds and other deep-pocketed potential buyers. 

The Chinese potential partners haven’t been named, but there have been rumours that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is among the interested parties. Kering’s name had also previously been suggested, although last month the French luxury group issued an outright denial, saying it had no interest in the retailer.

But Harrods and Lane Crawford owner, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), is also said to be interested having earlier considered a purchase when Selfridges was for sale in 2021.

Regardless of who buys in, it’s clear that Central will remain in control. The company has already converted a multimillion pound loan into equity and so has a 65% majority stake in Selfridges’ operating company, rather than the 50% stake it held when the retailer was first acquired. Its stake in the Selfridges property company is still 50%, the other half being owned by Signa.

The Times said that Central originally went into partnership on the deal with Signa because it wanted a co-owner with a longer-term outlook than private equity investors.