Wilko administrators have confirmed that the revised rescue deal tabled by Doug Putnam which sought to acquire 100 stores long with DCs and employees has been withdrawn. This follows the decision by Putnam’s backer Gordon Brothers to pull out.
This leaves a number of alternative negotiations underway for the acquisition of the Wilko brand and online assets, as well as piecemeal interest in some of the remaining stores.
Meanwhile the GMB is demanding that the terms of the deal done with B&M for 51 stores should also include TUPE arrangements for the staff currently working in and supporting those stores. Questions are being asked of the PwC administrators in that respect and there is every likelihood that the matter will be investigated at government level.
PwC has confirmed that 9,100 Wilko staff have been advised that they will made redundant as stores close for good commencing on the 19th September and distribution centres close on 15th September.
PwC joint administrator said: “We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.”
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