Homebase ‘set for administration’ with thousands of jobs at risk

Homebase could be heading for a partial collapse, putting thousands of jobs at risk, with workers across a number of stores in Scotland potentially affected.

The DIY retailer is reportedly lining up insolvency practitioners at the Teneo consultancy, which could see it placed into administration.

Retail magnate Chris Dawson, who owns The Range homeware outlets, is also reportedly planning a last-minute rescue deal which could see him buy as many as 70 Homebase stores.

Currently, Homebase has eight stores in Scotland:

• Dumfries
• Dunfermline
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Glenrothes
• Hamilton
• Inverurie
• Oban

If the buyout deal goes ahead, it could see about 1,500 jobs saved, but at least 1,700 others would still be in doubt, Sky News reported.

Homebase was bought for £1 by investment firm Hilco Capital, which has since brought in a swathe of cost-cutting measures.

But the retail chain has struggled as customers cut back on spending amid the cost of living crisis, and reported an £84.2m loss last year.

In August, Sainsbury’s struck a deal to buy ten Homebase stores and convert them into supermarkets.

It comes after a hunt for a buyer from Homebase’s current owners which is thought to have lasted for the last two months.

Mr Dawson is also in talks to buy Homebase’s 40-year-old brand and its website, in a deal which could cost about £30m.

The businessman, whose CDS Superstores acts as parent company to The Range, bought parts of high street retailer Wilko after it collapsed last year.

He told the Telegraph newspaper: “We are delighted to be able to save so many stores and jobs, and look forward to adding the Homebase brand and subsidiaries to the expanding Range group of companies.”

The Range sells homeware and DIY products from its more than 200 store estate in the UK.

Homebase has been contacted for comment.