FASHION chain Republic is expected to go into administration today, putting 1,000 jobs at risk.

Republic, which has a shop in The Mall, in Blackburn, is the latest high street victim following the closure of music retailer HMV, camera group Jessops, and DVD and games rental group Block-buster.

The group has already lined up auditor Ernst & Young to handle the admin-istration.

The company, which is owned by private equity firm TPG, started in Leeds as a men’s denim retailer in 1986. It now has around 120 stores selling men’s and womenswear brands, including G-Star, Diesel and Firetrap.

It is understood that Republic has suffered amid poor trading in recent months, given the recent consumer spending pressures and its focus on the north of England, which has been hit particularly badly by the recession.

Chairman Andy Bond, a former Asda boss, is said to have stepped down last week after less than two years.

The chain recently hired ex-TK Maxx boss Paul Sweetenham as chief executive.

TPG bought Republic in June 2010 in a deal worth around £300 million, with the founders understood to have retained a significant stake.

Ernst and Young and Republic declined to make any comment .