Lewis, despite concerns over the quality of the debtors’ book and the dire retail environment, just may be a buyout target As the Lewis Group’s share price takes strain from concerns about prospects for future dividend payments, whispers are spreading about a possible bid for control of the furniture retailer by people brave enough to believe they can restore it to its former glory.It’s early days though, and analysts are sceptical.It’s difficult to imagine who would buy a furniture retailer in the current climate. It’s not just that the outlook for economic growth is grim but with over 60% of sales done on credit, government’s increasingly aggressive stance on unsecured lending is eating into this group’s margins.Retail analyst Syd Vianello doesn’t dismiss a possible bid out of hand but is adamant about one thing: "It won’t be done at the current sort of share price."Vianello, who has tracked the company for years, says at the right price Lewis "probably is a play". But no-one is ...
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