The proposed dissolution of Hamleys (Franchising) Limited marks a corporate restructuring move involving Reliance-owned toy retailer Hamleys, although its wider international franchise operations remain unaffected by any announced decision.
Reliance Industries has initiated proceedings to strike off its UK-based subsidiary, Hamleys (Franchising) Limited, from the British companies register, according to a regulatory disclosure dated 29 October 2026.
The voluntary strike-off application was filed on 19 October, with a notice published by the UK Registrar of Companies on 27 October. The company is scheduled to be dissolved no earlier than two months from the notice date, subject to any objection being raised.
The proposed move concerns the UK legal entity responsible for franchising-related activities and should not be interpreted as a closure of the Hamleys brand or its international store network.
Reliance disclosed that Hamleys (Franchising) Limited recorded turnover of Rs 56.08 crore in calendar year 2025. Its contribution to Reliance Industries’ consolidated turnover in FY2025-26 was 0.0048 per cent, while its net worth stood at nil as of 31 December 2025.
The company has not disclosed the rationale behind the strike-off application or provided details about the future handling of the subsidiary’s activities.
From Franchise Partnership to Global Ownership
Reliance’s relationship with Hamleys dates back to August 2008, when Reliance Retail secured exclusive pan-India franchise rights for the British toy retailer.
The partnership brought Hamleys into India’s organised toy retail market, combining its established retail concept with Reliance’s domestic retail infrastructure.
In July 2019, Reliance Brands Limited acquired 100 per cent of Hamleys Global Holdings Limited from Hong Kong-based C Banner International Holdings for £67.96 million. The acquisition gave Reliance control of the 260-year-old toy retailer and its international operations.
At the time, Hamleys operated 167 stores across 18 countries, providing Reliance with an established international platform for further expansion.
Franchising Remains an Important Growth Channel
Hamleys has historically relied on franchise partnerships to expand into international markets, complementing its company-operated stores. The model has enabled the retailer to enter territories through local partners while leveraging its established brand identity and retail experience.
Its 2024 financial reporting highlighted a network of 176 franchise locations globally, alongside continued efforts to strengthen its international presence.
The business has also undertaken changes to its physical retail portfolio. During the reporting period, it closed 29 stores while opening 22 new locations, reflecting a more selective approach to its store network.
In India, however, Hamleys continues to pursue retail expansion under Reliance’s ownership. The brand operates more than 125 stores across over 40 cities, positioning itself in the country’s organised toy retail segment.
The latest UK filing raises questions about the corporate structure supporting Hamleys’ international franchising activities. However, there has been no announcement of a wider withdrawal from franchising or changes to existing international franchise partnerships.
The proposed strike-off remains subject to the UK statutory process, with the implications for the wider business yet to be clarified.
