Mothercare through the years

1961

Mothercare is founded by Selim Zilkha and Sir James Goldsmith.

1986

The company becomes part of the Storehouse group after it merges with Habitat and BHS.

2000

It reverts to the Mothercare brand after BHS and Habitat are sold.

Jun 2007

The retailer purchases the Early Learning Centre for £85m. By now, Mothercare has grown to more than 350 outlets in the UK.

2017

The retailer has seen a steady decline in sales following the financial crisis, resulting in profit warnings and store closures. By November it has 152 UK stores. Half-year losses widen following sliding high street sales.

May 2018

Mothercare secures a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) restructuring deal which it says will mean 50 store closures and affect 800 jobs. It also agrees rent reductions on 21 other stores.

July 2018

A £32.5m fundraiser is announced at 19p per share to gather proceeds to pay off its debts. The company also forecasts a rise to 60 store closures, although 55 sites shut their doors.

Dec 2018

The retailer sells and leases back its UK head offices, raising £14.5m.

Mar 2019

Mothercare announces plans to sell the Early Learning Centre to The Entertainer for £13.5m.

Jul 2019

The business issues a profit warning after UK profit margins improve slower than forecast. UK sales are down by 23.2% for the 15 weeks to July.

Nov 2019

The parent business says it will file a notice to appoint administrators for the UK business as it can no longer “satisfy cash needs” to keep it afloat.