After years of speculation, the Dutch-based high street staple Hema has finally put itself up for sale. At the presentation of half-year figures on Thursday, the company said that along with its owner Lion Capital, it is ‘starting to explore strategic options for Hema’s future.’

Lion Capital bought 91-year-old Hema in 2007 and it is no secret that the British venture capital fund has been wanting to sell Hema for some time.

During the debt crisis Lion Capital saddled Hema with large debt, pushing the Dutch retailer deep into red figures. But since then Hema has expanded abroad into France, Germany, Spain and Great Britain, substantially expanding turnover.

In the second quarter of this year Hema booked a net loss of €29.1m after a loss of €9.6m in the first three months. The larger loss was due to a €20.1m charge for refinancing.  Second-quarter turnover was €10m more year-on-year at €287m.