STRUGGLING retailer Debenhams is in advanced talks with Aviva about the insurer buying out its executive pension scheme, which holds more than £200m in assets.

Debenhams is closing in on the deal as it shutters dozens of stores around the country, Sky News reported yesterday.

It would guarantee that members of the executive pension scheme enjoy its benefits in future.

The deal could prove controversial, however, as the main Debenhams scheme is not included.

Debenhams and Aviva both declined to comment.

(c) 2020 City A.M., source Newspaper