WINE merchant Oddbins has called in advisers to move the firm forward as it faces tough decisions over its future, it was reported .
The chain has hired Spectrum Corporate Finance to put forward plans for the “cash constrained” 128-shop chain, according to newspaper reports.
Oddbins will decide on its strategy next Tuesday, after Spectrum has completed its work.
The move reflects a tough period for the UK’s independent wine trade – with the collapse of Threshers owner First Quench Retailing in 2009 and the Unwins chain folding in 2005.
Oddbins faces competition from the dominant supermarket chains and is involved in a long-running legal spat with the group’s previous owner, French-based drinks group Castel Freres.
