Modella eyeing another acquisition, this time it’s the Wynsors footwear chain

Modella Capital is fast becoming one of the most acquisitive businesses on the UK high street and the latest retailer in its sights is footwear chain Wynsors World of Shoes.

That’s according to Sky News, which said the investment firm is targeting a takeover of the privately owned footwear retailer and is currently in “advanced talks”.

Wynsors trades from around 50 standalone shops across the north of England and Modella is now “the likeliest buyer” of the business, with expectations of a deal before the end of the year.

Modella was recently in the news as the buyer of Claire’s UK business. It also recently bought the non-travel locations of WH Smith (now renamed TG Jones) and owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop too. It had earlier hoped to add Poundland to its portfolio but missed out on that one.

Wynsors has been looking to sell for around two months and accountancy firm RSM had been hired explore interest from prospective bidders, Sky News said.

The chain trades from around 50 standalone stores and 40 concessions. It sells brands including Adidas, Skechers, Hush Puppies, Clarks, Nike, kickers and more. And although its sells footwear for women, men and children, it focuses particularly on school shoes.