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Hobbycraft Readied for Sale After Approach From Undisclosed Buyer

Modella Capital moves to test demand following a restructuring that closed stores, cutting 126 jobs.

Overview

  • Hobbycraft’s owner is preparing to appoint advisers to handle takeover interest after an unsolicited approach, according to multiple reports citing Sky News.
  • The retailer launched a Company Voluntary Arrangement in May 2025 to exit leases, a plan reported to save about £10 million per year.
  • Recent restructuring resulted in nine permanent store closures and 126 redundancies, with roughly 97 stores and about 1,800 jobs retained nationwide.
  • Chief executive Alex Willson said total sales rose 6.3% year-on-year, highlighting strong online performance alongside steady store trading.
  • The company’s website lists locations that have closed following a strategic review, and reporting notes Modella previously restructured Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop before later appointing administrators.