Last chance for Wilko deal

The Canadian owner of HMV is finalising a deal to buy the majority of Wilko, but administrators at PwC have raised doubts that the sale will go ahead. Doug Putman, whose family also owns Toys ‘R’ Us in Canada, has made an offer for 300 of Wilko’s 400 stores. PwC was consulting Wilko’s biggest creditors over the move. “While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it is now clear that no viable offer structure put forward includes the group in its entirety,” PwC said. A £90m bid for the entire business from M2 Capital has been dismissed after it missed a deadline to provide proof of funds. Rival retailers B&M, Home Bargains and Poundland have all put in offers for parts of the group. Simon Arora, founder and former chief executive of B&M, wrote to M2 Capital on Wednesday to say he was “astonished” the private equity firm was bidding for the entire chain. He added there was “ample interest from other discounters, such as B&M” in Wilko’s outlets and they “will all be going to the landlords for the good stores”. The Times (£)The FT (£)The Guardian