Express files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, announces store closures, possible sale

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO
AP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — Express Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the fashion retailer is seeking to sell the majority of its stores. Columbus, Ohio-based Express is also the parent of Bonbons and Upwest brands. It said Monday it planned to close 95 of its Express stores and all its UpWest stores. Express also said that it received a non-binding letter of intent from a group led by WHP Global to potentially purchase the majority of its stores and operations. Express said it had filed for Chapter 11 protection to facilitate the proposed transaction.