Private equity firm completes acquisition of 156 stores, bringing the UK and Ireland Claire’s business out of administration
Modella Capital has completed the acquisition of 156 stores from the UK and Ireland business of Claire’s.
The business entered administration on 13 August 2025, and Modella has now agreed terms with the administrator to take these stores out of administration.
Claire’s has been a part of the UK and Ireland’s retail landscape since 1974. While the brand has faced significant challenges in recent years, Modella says it believes the retailer still holds a special place in the hearts of shoppers across generations.
Joseph Price, Managing Director at Modella Capital, said: “As a firm, we strongly believe that this much-loved brand deserves the chance to remain on the high street in the UK and Ireland. The issues that Claire’s is facing are significant, and we will need to work collaboratively with all interested parties if our proposed rescue plan is to succeed.”
Modella will now enter a period of accelerated negotiations with landlords to determine which of the 156 stores can remain open. Final decisions will be made as soon as possible, and we remain committed to supporting employees through this transition.
In a related transaction, Modella Capital has secured a licence to trade as Claire’s in the UK and Ireland from Ames Watson, the US-based brand specialist and owner of the Claire’s intellectual property.
