The Entertainer and Smyths are being suggested as the two most likely businesses to succeed in acquiring Hamleys from its Chinese owner C.banner International. The Chinese group bought Hamleys in 2015 with plans to develop a chain of stores across China, and greatly expand its footprint in other countries, but with Hamleys racking up losses of £12 million in its most recent accounts, it is believed that C.banner is seeking a clean exit. It is being suggested that Mike Ashley has also expressed interest in the business, but this could not be confirmed.
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