Poundland owner eyes swoop on 100 Wilko stores

Poundland-owner Pepco Group and B&M European Value Retail are in talks to acquire about 150 of Wilko’s 400-strong store estate. B&M European Retail, the London-listed discount chain, is also in negotiations to take on between 40 and 50 shops, according to one insider. Other value retailers, including TOFS, which is owned by the private equity firm Duke Street, have lodged offers to acquire smaller parcels comprising about ten sites.

Even if agreements with Pepco, B&M and TOFS are finalised, it is likely to mean that more than 200 Wilko stores will face permanent closure.

The family-owned chain, which was established by the Wilkinson family in 1930, had been working with PwC on a search for new investment for several months. Like many high street retailers, it has been hit by inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges.