News roundup--Shop Direct's Mark Newton-Jones to step down

Mark Newton-Jones will step down as chief executive officer of Shop Direct Group in 2013, after eight years at the company. The 44-year-old chief exec said he would stay with the business, which operates Very, Isme and Woolworths, for the next 18 months to ensure a smooth handover and steer the business in “what looks set to be a challenging year for all retailers”. The process to look for a new chief executive is underway.

The Independent reports that private equity firm Cinven has walked away from a takeover of maternity and nursery products retailer Mothercare.

The Jacobson Group, which owns the Gola, Ravel and Lonsdale brands, has bought Dolcis out of administration. The new owners plan to develop the former Barratts Priceless brand into an online retailer with some concessions, reports the Manchester Evening News.