Womenswear retailer PAS Group eked out a small profit in 2020 despite falling into administration in May after the coronavirus pandemic thwarted attempts to raise $20 million in much-needed capital.

The group, which owns the Review, Black Pepper and Yarra Trail brands and the Designworks wholesale business, earned about $3.5 million before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in the 12 months ending June, compared with $6.4 million in 2019, a report by administrator PwC says.