B&M buys 51 Wilko stores for £13m

The fate of other Wilko stores hangs in the balance. Photo: ANDY RAIN/Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Doug Putman, the Canadian businessman who bought HMV, which went out of control in 2019, reportedly has filed a bid to acquire at least 200 Wilko stores. However, he reportedly had problems with companies that supplied Wilko products prior to its collapse in August.

According to The Sun last week, major suppliers such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble wants their debts paid off before they make a commitment to supply goods to Wilko stores. The Telegraph attempted to contact Putman for comment.

Sky News reported that Mr. Putman was in talks with PwC to cut the deal, but it is not certain that an agreement will be reached.

Wilko employed about 12,500 people of about 400 employees. stores when they called administrators on August 10th.

Announcing the job cuts, Jane Steer, co-administrator of PwC, said last week: “It is with great sadness that we announce these layoffs.”

“We are incredibly grateful to these members teams for the support and dedication they have shown to the company, especially during the last few very difficult weeks.”

Vilko was forced to call the administrators after repeated attempts to find a buyer for the business failed.

The company has struggled to bounce back from supply issues during the pandemic, which has forced it to struggle to secure enough supplies and over-exposure to Britain's ailing high streets.

Beyond B&M , other discounters Poundland, The Range and Home Bargains have also expressed interest in buying part of the Wilko estate. The Range reportedly offered to buy the Wilko brand and online operations.