Luminar's new chief Simon Douglas fuels HMV merger talk

City speculation that HMV and Luminar could one day end up in a full-blown merger was rising today, after the nightclub operator switched chief executives.

Stephen Thomas, who founded Luminar 22 years ago, is stepping down after a turbulent year for the club trade.

He is replaced by Simon Douglas — a former HMV executive with extensive experience in the music industry.

HMV and Luminar are exploring a tie-up which could involve the being clubs promoted in the stores and vice-versa.

Some analysts say that with Luminar shifting its focus towards more live music events earlier in the evening, a formal link-up could one day be on the cards.

Luminar has 90, large-scale entertainment venues under the brands Oceana, Liquid and Lava & Ignite.