Gerald Ratner, the former chief executive of the Ratners jewelry chain, which became Signet, is reportedly considering a purchase of Signet Group’s H Samuel Chain in Great Britain.

Ratner has appointed accountant firm BDO Stoy Hayward to create a possible bid for the chain, reports the London-based Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Ratner lost control of the company in 1991 after calling his products “total crap” during a public speech.

U.K. media reported Ratner’s interest on Friday, following an announcement that two private equity firms were considering a buyout offer for Signet Group, the parent company of U.S.-based Sterling Jewelers.

Apex Partners and Kohlberg made a joint statement that they had prepared a joint analysis of Signet, which included the possibility of an offer for the firm.

Ratner told the Telegraph that if the companies completed the buyout, they would probably sell off the group’s U.K. businesses, and he would like to purchase H Samuel.

Source : nationaljeweler.com

www.nationaljeweler.com