FURNITURE store chain MFI last night revealed it had received takeover offers for "all or part" of its ailing retail business.

The company said it was reviewing the interest "in the context of our developing plans", which it warned would cause it to face considerable costs and challenges as it attempted to revive the operation.

MFI continued to paint a gloomy picture on trading yesterday, with orders so far this year 19 per cent lower on a year ago and 16 per cent down on a same-store basis.

The company confirmed yesterday that its Stockton factory, which employs 533 people, will close next week.

The closure was part of a restructuring programme.