In 2005 his company paid a £1.2bn dividend to the owner of Arcadia - Sir Philip's wife, Tina. Since she is a resident of Monaco, the tax advantages were substantial, according to BBC business editor Robert Peston:
"There was a great saving of tax, but when the perception is that dividend has been generated by the business acumen of Philip Green and not particularly the business acumen of his wife, it stokes up enormous controversy."
That would have covered pension needs more than twice over, but of course, was not the game plan. BHS currently has debt of £1.3 billion, including the pension hole). Surprised?
Sir Philip Green has sold a quarter of his prized Topshop and Topman empire to pay for new stores overseas - but how did he reach his position at the very top of British retailing?
