UK's Allied Carpets Closing 142 Stores

London, England, Aug. 14, 2009--Administrators for bankrupt retailer Allied Carpets said Friday that it is closing 142 stores.

BDO Stoy Hayward said it had been unable to sell on the bulk of the flooring firm's branches amid fears over tough sales conditions.

Allied Carpets filed for bankruptcy protection last month, with 21,000 orders still outstanding. BDO said it has fulfilled more than half of those and aims to ensure all are completed eventually.

Administrators have already sold 55 stores to a new firm set up by former Allied chief executive Clive Hutchings.

Administrators are looking for buyers for a remaining 20 outlets.