Any deal would complete the downfall of Sir Philip<\/strong>‘s sprawling retail interests and result in the closure of all 444 stores.<\/p>\n That is because Boohoo – like fierce rival ASOS, which is locked in negotiations over the most valuable parts of Arcadia including Topshop – also has no plans to take on any physical sites amid COVID-19<\/strong> chaos on the high street.<\/p>\n It places 13,000 Arcadia jobs in peril on top of more than 10,000 at Debenhams<\/strong>, <\/strong>which is also set to see stores shuttered once stock clearances are completed ahead of a pure digital future.<\/p>\n Boohoo said on Friday: “The group confirms that it is in exclusive discussions with the administrators of Arcadia over the acquisition of the Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton (excluding HIIT) brands.<\/p>\n “These discussions may or may not result in agreement of a transaction. A further announcement will be made when appropriate.”<\/p>\n Boohoo shares were 1% down at the open.<\/p>\n Analysts at Jefferies Equity Research said of the potential deal: “While not viewed (or priced) as the ‘jewels in the Arcadia crown’, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, and Burton are well-known brands that in the year to Sep-18 generated a sizeable £580m of revenue between them.<\/p>\n “These acquisitions would be very much consistent with boohoo’s successful approach to date, and we would view the brands as a good fit within the group, particularly given the recent Debenhams deal, through which all three traded.”<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/e3.365dm.com\/20\/12\/768x432\/skynews-shopping-covid-19-london_5195967.jpg\")
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