Hamleys boss steps down
Simon Burke hands over reins at toy retailer
August 7 2003
Hamleys executive chairman Simon Burke has stepped down from the board of the toy retailer following its acquisition by Icelandic retail group Baugur.
Burke, credited with the restoration of the fortunes of Hamleys, has overseen the redevelopment of the Regent Street store and the development of the complementary Bear Factory business during his time at the helm.
Burke, along with non-executive directors John Napier and Jim Hodkinson, have resigned from the board with immediate effect.
Baugur’s acquisition vehicle Soldier declared its bid for Hamleys unconditional earlier this week. Soldier now controls or has contracted to shares amounting to an 82.4 per cent stake in Hamleys. The offer has been extended to August 18 for outstanding shares, and Baugur aims to delist Hamleys from the stock exchange on September 2.
