Company moving in on Roches
Debenhams is in negotiations to take over the retail business of Irish department store chain Roches Stores, according to reports in the Irish press.

It is understood that Roches Stores is looking to sell its retail business, but retain control of its property assets, effectively becoming a property company.

Sources close to the group have named Debenhams as an interested party. Chief executive Rob Templeman declined to comment this morning.

Roches has 11 stores across Ireland. It sold its last two food stores to Marks & Spencer early last year, removing itself from the food market.