House of Fraser has fallen into administration '“ putting 17,000 jobs at risk

The department store chain said discussions between interested investors and its main creditors did not conclude in a '˜solvent solution' and it has no choice but to appoint administrators.

But House of Fraser '“ which has a store in Chichester - said parts of the department store could still be rescued, most likely through a pre-pack administration process, where a new buyer cherry picks the best assets.

The company said '˜significant progress has been made' in reaching a sale of the group's business and assets.

EY, which is expected to be appointed administrator on Friday, will continue discussions with interested parties in the hope of reaching a deal "shortly after their appointment".

Would-be suitors include tracksuit tycoon Mike Ashley and Philip Day, the billionaire owner of Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

House of Fraser assured that its offices and stores will continue trading as normal while they look to reach a deal.

Chief executive Alex Williamson said: '˜We are hopeful that the current negotiations will shortly be concluded.

'˜An acquisition of the 169-year-old retail business will see House of Fraser regain stability, certainty and financial strength.

House of Fraser has been plunged into fresh crisis after C.banner, the Chinese owner of Hamleys, pulled its investment into the troubled retail chain.

C.banner was planning to buy a 51 per cent stake in House of Fraser and plough £70 million into the ailing retailer, but scrapped the move last week.

Frank Slevin, chairman of House of Fraser, said: '˜This has been an extraordinarily challenging six months in which the business has delivered so many critical elements of the turnaround plan.

'˜Despite the very recent termination of the transaction between Cenbest and C.Banner, I am confident House of Fraser is close to securing its future.'