Sky News has learnt that Reliance Retail Limited is among a small number of parties in discussions with advisers to Debenhams plc about acquiring part or all of the 242-year-old retailer. Sources said on September 23, 2020 there was no certainty that Reliance's interest would develop into a formal bid for Debenhams. One insider said, however, that the Indian group's interest appeared to be serious. Reliance did not respond to an emailed request for comment, while Debenhams declined to comment.