Debenhams Seeks Administration as Virus Tips Retailer Over Edge

Struggling U.K. retailer Debenhams Plc moved to protect itself from creditors after closing its stores because of the coronavirus.

The department-store chain filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators under U.K. insolvency procedures. The company said the goal was to avoid being pushed into liquidation as it eyes reopening after virus-related restrictions are eased.

Debenhams envisions what it described as a “light touch” administration in which the existing management remains in place, under the supervision of the administrators from FRP Advisory Group Plc.

The company was taken over by lenders last year, making it one of the U.K.’s ...