Homebase owner Hilco is set to begin sale talks in earnest next week, after agreeing to sell 10 branches to its former owner.
According to Damian McGloughlin, Homebase chief executive Hilco will continue to back the chain if it fails to find a buyer.
‘If a sale doesn’t go ahead, Hilco remain supportive. What this does mean is that we will have the opportunity to explore the market and potentially benefit from new investment,’ Retail Week reported.
B&M and The Range have been among those reported to be interested in acquiring the loss-making chain.
The talks will come amid Hilco having agreed a £130m deal with Sainsbury’s to sell 10 Homebase branches as the Habitat and Argos owner looks to grow its geographic footprint.
Stores in Birmingham Sutton Coldfield; Bromsgrove; Cromer; Londonderry; Fareham; Inverurie; Lowestoft; Newark; Omagh, and Rugby form the deal, which is expected to be completed in September.
