Hamleys, the iconic London toyshop, may be sold to Chinese buyer

The Hamleys toy shop in London is seen in this file photograph dated Dec 2, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Hamleys, the iconic London toyshop that has been trading for 255 years, may be acquired by Chinese retailer C.Banner International Holdings, Sky News reported, without saying where it obtained the information.

An announcement is expected to be made to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, where C.Banner is listed, as early as tomorrow morning, Sky said.

Hamleys, currently owned by France's Groupe Ludendo, may fetch as much as 100 million pounds.

As well as the flagship store in London's Regent Street, Hamley's has several other branches, including a large store in Moscow.

C.Banner is China's leading women's shoe retailer.

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com