Murcia fashion chain Inside opens door to rival takeover bids

Potential buyers have until November 4 to make an offer for the retailer, which already has a proposal that would protect more than 950 jobs

The future of Inside, the clothing chain owned by Murcia-based Liwe Española, remains undecided as the company invites rival buyers to submit takeover offers by Wednesday November 4.

The retailer already has a binding proposal from investment fund Strong Capital and Founds, which would allow the business to continue trading and preserve the majority of its jobs. However, a court overseeing Liwe's insolvency proceedings has given other potential buyers the chance to put forward a better offer.

The bidding window opened on Thursday October 22, with all proposals to be submitted to the company's insolvency administrators, Andersen and Zubizarreta. The existing offer from Strong Capital is still awaiting judicial consideration, so the takeover has not yet been finalised.

Strong Capital's proposal would see 958 employees transfer to the new owner, representing more than 90% of Liwe Española's current workforce. It also covers around 184 shops, including 178 in Spain and six in Portugal, along with the assets needed to keep the business running.

The investment fund has pledged to maintain operations for at least three years and invest a further €35 million between 2027 and 2029.

The money would go towards improving shops, developing online sales and expanding the business through franchising. There are also plans to acquire other brands and turn Inside into a multi-brand retailer.

Strong Capital forecasts sales of €72 million in 2027, rising to €110 million by 2029, as it looks to return the business to profitability.

Liwe Española's board has previously said the proposal offers sufficient guarantees to keep the company operating. Whether another investor can come forward with a better deal should become clearer after the November 4 deadline.

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