THE owner of TopShop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins is on the verge of going into administration, it has been reported.

Sky News said the Arcadia Group, owned by Sir Philip Green, was set to appoint administrators within days, putting 15,000 jobs at risk.

The chain’s Hampshire stores include Dorothy Pekins branches in Eastleigh, Winchester and Fareham, Burton in Eastleigh and TopShop in Whiteley.

It was reported that the process could begin on Monday after failure to agree a £30million cash injection from lenders.

Sky reported that Boohoo Group would be among the most likely bidders for the TopShop arm of the group if it went into administration.

It is unlikely that Sir Philip would buy back any of the businesses himself, it was reported.

Arcadia has more than 500 shops across the country.

Arcadia said: “We are aware of the recent media speculation surrounding the future of Arcadia.

“The forced closure of our stores for sustained periods as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a material impact on trading across our businesses.

“As a result, the Arcadia boards have been working on a number of contingency options to secure the future of the group’s brands.

“The brands continue to trade and our stores will be opening again in England and Republic of Ireland as soon as the government Covid-19 restrictions are lifted next week.”