Retailer Morgan in administration

Morgan has been seeking a sale since the start of 2008

French women's clothing store chain Morgan has gone into administration, the latest retailer to be hit by the sharp fall in consumer spending.

The company, which expects to report a 9% decline in 2008 sales, said it still hoped to be able to sell the business.

Private equity group Apax Partners owns 40% of Morgan, while the firm's founding families - Bismuth and Barouch - own another 40% between them.

The majority of Morgan's UK stores closed in April this year.

The small number that remain are licensees.

UK childrenswear retailer Adams also went into administration on Wednesday.

Widely speculated since the weekend, Adams' 271 stores will remain open while their viability is assessed, but the administrator warned that some closures were likely.

The Nuneaton-based firm, the UK's largest independent childrenswear seller, employs 3,200 people.

Sector-wide woes

Morgan's move into administration comes after the same happened to UK retailers Woolworths, Zavvi, Whittard and The Officers Club.

MORGAN FACTS Paris-based 575 shops Founded in 1968 Is administration the end? What administrators do

The final Woolworths stores are now due to close on 5 January after administrator Deloitte failed to find a buyer for the whole company.

Music and games retailer Zavvi went into administration on Christmas Eve.

Tea and coffee specialist Whittard went into administration before Christmas due to "trading difficulties", but it was quickly bought for an undisclosed sum by Epic private equity partners.