Retail jobs at Republic set to change?

Those in retail jobs at Republic may be aware it has been put up for sale.

The chain sells brands such as Bench, G-Star and Henleys as well as its own labels, and operates stores up and down the UK.

However, investment bank Rothschild has reportedly been employed to sell the company, which is controlled by Change Capital.

In 2005, Republic was valued at £105 million - but this figure may have increased significantly since then, with underlying profits having tripled in the past three years and numerous new branches opening.

Various options, including refinancing and flotation, are also being considered by the company.

According to the Times, interest is thought to be high due to Republic's lack of debt and potential for even further growth.

It is run by former Marks & Spencer chief executives Luc Vandevelde and Roger Holmes, but the founders Tim Whitworth and Carl Brewins still own 40 per cent of the shares.