The new owner of UK department store House of Fraser today promised a shake-up for Britain’s “boring” high street after buying the chain for £351m (€522.3m) this week.

Matalan boss John King was named chief executive of House of Fraser today after the department store chain changed hands in a £351m (€523.4m) deal.

Department store chain House of Fraser today looked set to join the Baugur portfolio after reportedly backing a £356m (€519.2m) takeover approach.

By Nicky Burridge

Icelandic group Baugur was today thought to be behind a bid for House of Fraser after the department store chain revealed it had received a “very preliminary” approach.

The owner of the Oasis and Karen Millen brands rued the lack of a “must-have” fashion look today as it reported sluggish sales in the year so far.

The owner of fashion chains including Oasis and Karen Millen looked set to meet profits hopes today after an upturn in sales over Christmas.

IN the whirlwind, fickle world of fashion that demands so much of Miriam Flahive’s time, there is one adored constant - her four-and-a-half year old son Jack.

Fashion chains Principles and Warehouse are on the brink of a sale that will land their owners a £130m (€187.8m) pay-day, it was reported today.

A key player in recent takeover activity on Irish and British high streets has lined up a £1bn (€1.4bn) war chest for a major deal of its own, it was reported today.