Retail giant Next is weighing a low-ball bid for LK Bennett, the upmarket womenswear and footwear brand whose owners are exploring rescue options amid deepening financial distress. The FTSE 100 retailer is assessing whether the LK Bennett brand could be added to its growing stable of acquired fashion names. Any deal would be expected to focus on the brand and digital operations rather than LK Bennett’s remaining physical store estate, according to Sky News, which first reported Next’s interest.