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From the makers of
FEB 09 FREE
BIG FLICKS TEN GAY MOVIES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
*J@OKP
The national gay lifestyle magazine
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Issue 41 • Friday 30 January - Thursday 12 February 2009
A LIFE IN POP ERAURE’S ANDY BELL ON 25 YEARS OF CAMPING IT UP
DANCING QUEENS HOW HEAVEN CHANGED THE WAY WE PARTY FOREVER
A GAY OLD TIME LGBT HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL
ALTERNATIVE CLUB NIGHT DUCKIE GOES TO THE SEASIDE • A BRIEF HISTORY OF EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY • VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE • NATIONAL STUDENT PRIDE IS COMING! • IT’S 3SIXTY’S SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, YIPPEE
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SAVED BY THE BELLE Last-minute bail-out deal rescues troubled Clonezone from the axe
Clonezone in Soho © www.flickr.com/katcameron
GAY LIFESTYLE retailer Clonezone will survive after a sensational buy-out deal from Libertybelle UK secured the immediate future of the company’s four remaining stores. The company went into administration earlier this month, resulting in the immediate closure of six branches, including those in Brighton, Leeds, Newcastle and Bristol. The chain’s two London branches, in Soho and Earls Court, continued to trade while administrators sought a buyer for the firm, which had been hit hard by the recent economic downturn. Clonezone was formed in Manchester in 1984. Company
founder David Edwards spoke last week of his sadness at the firm’s apparent demise. “Our priority was to save the company and the jobs, but this restructure became unavoidable,” he said. “We would like to thank our customers for all their support and we hope that everything gets back to normal as soon as possible.” Now, some of those jobs have been saved: in a deal announced earlier this week, Clonezone has been bought by Libertybelle UK, makers of a range of male sex toys. Clonezone’s Managing Director Mike McCann will continue to oversee the day to day operation of the company. “We
are delighted that we have been able to secure the future of Clonezone,” he said. “With a partner from within the industry that brings a tremendous amount of expertise in sales, marketing, toy design and manufacturing.” As well as the London stores, those in Birmingham and Manchester will also be saved as part of the deal. A company spokesperson told one80news that there are ongoing negotiations with two other firms which may result in the re-opening of at least some of the closed stores. The website and wholesale arm of Clonezone remain unaffected by recent events.
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