Mothercare ready to sell UK division

MOTHERCARE would sell its UK business if it got a good offer, the company said.

The mother-and-baby firm, which has stores across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, posted an 8.8pc drop in same-store sales during the 12 weeks to March 30.

Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said if a suitor approached ‘of course’ it would be considered. But he insisted Mothercare is on track with its turnaround plan and is expected to save £19m this year.

This has included store closures, which has left it with 80 now compared with 137 a year ago.

Last year Sainsbury’s reportedly looked at making a grab for Mothercare but did not make a formal offer.

Clive Black, head of research at broker Shore Capital, agreed: ‘To us, Mothercare is out of the surgical ward and heading for the calmer medical ward.’