Clothing group McGregor has applied for bankruptcy for 11 of its 50 units, two weeks after being given court protection from creditors.

McGregor, which includes the Gaastra, McGregor and Adam Menswear brands, said  all shops and the webshops will remain open.

The stores will remain open to secure jobs and to make it possible for a new owner to carry out a seamless takeover, the receivers said, adding that there are serious takeover candidates both within the Netherlands and abroad.

The McGregor group was formed in 1993, although some of its brands are older, and was listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange until 2006. The company produces mid-price range classic leisure and sports wear.

A string of Dutch high street brands have run into trouble in recent months and the V&D department chain group went bankrupt at the end of last year.