Can ASOS keep Topshop as Shein and Authentic rekindle interest?

News last year that Shein and Authentic Brands Group were interested in buying Topshop – currently owned by ASOS – seemed to be just a rumour. But now the speculation has resurfaced and given the well publicised problems at ASOS it could mean that a takeover by one of the fast expanding businesses is more likely.

ASOS bought Topshop in the wake of the Arcadia collapse and despite the brand having struggled under the previous owner, it remains a globally-known and in-demand label. That makes interest from big players unsurprising, as does the fact that ASOS still faces huge challenges in its turnaround, despite talking of making progress when it delivered its results this week.

The Times claimed Thursday that Shein is among a number of potential buyers that want to take control of the brand with Authentic also believed to have shown fresh interest.

None of the parties concerned have commented on the newspaper’s report.

It said ASOS is believed to have received “non-stop interest” from a range of high-profile retailers. This further underlines the brand’s appeal and status despite the issues of recent years.

ASOS paid £330 million to buy Topshop, along with Topman and Miss Selfridge, from failed Arcadia in 2021. At the time, its rivals to buy the business included Next, Frasers Group and Shein, according to reports.

Last year, ASOS has reportedly considered selling Topshop in the face of its own widening losses and ballooning debt, although nothing happened at the time, even though Shein and Authentic were said to be interested.

Both of those giant businesses are acquisition-hungry and both have shown enthusiasm for buying UK properties. Shein, for instance, acquired Missguided from Frasers Group, while Authentic is the owner of both Ted Baker and boot company Hunter.

They both have very deep pockets too and would be able to pay a premium price if ASOS was in a position to hold out for one.

It’s unclear whether Shein and Authentic would be rivals or partners in buying Topshop as they have existing links with each other. Shein last year acquired an interest adding up to a third of Sparc Group. That’s a joint venture between Authentic and Simon Property Group. 

But one big question here is whether ASOS would want to sell one of its top-performing units to a business like Shein that has become a thorn in its side. It’s a major rival whose success is partly responsible for ASOS’s sales struggles in the past couple of years. Anything that would strengthen its rival is likely to be bad news for ASOS.

But its current problems may force it to take action. The company that once had a valuation of over £6 billion is now valued at only £432 million, even after a share price rise in recent days, and its turnaround remains very much a work in progress.