Aquascutum to be put into administration Aquascutum will be placed into administration as early as today, according to two people familiar with the company's plans, putting about 250 jobs at risk and threatening the possible demise of a classic British clothing brand. Harold Tillman, the fashion entrepreneur, has been battling to save the luxury raincoat maker he acquired in September 2009 . Mr Tillman bought the business from Renown, a Japanese trading house, in a deal that united it with Jaeger, another venerable fashion chain founded in 1884. On Monday, Mr Tillman sold a 90 per cent stake in Jaeger - and all of its secured debt - to Jon Moulton's Better Capital in an effort to protect it from any possible fallout from Aquascutum. Mr Tillman has invested more than £20m in Aquascutum, according to people familiar with the situation, but could no longer afford to support the lossmaking retailer. Mr Tillman, who is also chairman of the British Fashion Council, initially made progress at Aquascutum. But as part of the original deal, he sold the lucrative rights to the Aquascutum brand in Asia to YGM Trading, a Hong Kong-based company. The business was also hit by the recent departure of Belinda Earl, Aquascutum and Jaeger's respected chief executive, due to health issues. Aquascutum was founded in 1851 by tailor John Emary. In its early days it was best known for developing a new style of trenchcoat during the first world war. Over the years it has dressed the Queen Mother, Winston Churchill and Lady Thatcher, as well as celebrities such as Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant. About 250 people work at Aquascutum, including its factory in Corby. Many of Aquascutum's operations were combined with Jaeger's.