Originally a mail order company, Bombay Company expanded to roughly 400 stores in the United States and Canada before it filed for bankruptcy protection in 2007. After the court decided to liquidate it, Gordon Brothers and Hilco purchased the Bombay name in 2009 for $1.25 million.
Today, Crate & Barrel's owner, Otto Group, is betting on a Bombay comeback. The German firm purchased the Bombay brand from Hilco and Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed price in January 2011. Bombay branded items can now be found for sale on the QVC and at Kroger and Bed, Bath, & Beyond.
Iconic brands live on even after bankruptcy and liquidation, More buyers are making bets on the resuscitation of dead brand names.
