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<\/p>\nA MAJOR Wilko rival is said to be close to securing a deal that would see it buy a number of stores. <\/p>\n
The discount chain B&M is looking to secure around 50 shops, according to sources.<\/p>\n
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The chain is also reported to be on the brink of announcing its first store closures.<\/p>\n
It comes as doubts have grown that HMV owner Doug Putman would step in to take up the majority of the business.<\/p>\n
Mr Putman was said to be looking at buying 300 of the troubled chain's stores and saving hundreds of the 12,500 jobs at risk. <\/p>\n
The first of hundreds of jobs were made redundant yesterday, and developments today have brought fresh uncertainty for staff. <\/p>\n
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According to today's report, there is a possible fresh deal on the tablefrom Mr Putman which would see 200 stores saved, rather than the original 300. <\/p>\n
The Sun previously revealed that weekend\u00a0negotiations between Canadian entrepreneur Mr Putman had run into problems.<\/p>\n
The businessman, who bought HMV in 2019, is said to have been dealing with issues with Wilko suppliers.<\/p>\n
Big brands, including Unilever and Procter & Gamble who supply items such as Domestos Bleach and Ariel detergent to shops, have demanded their debts are repaid and paid upfront to guarantee supply to stores.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Concerns were raised over the weekend that some suppliers, who had cancelled shipments to\u00a0Wilko\u2019s\u00a0shops as fears about its future grew, would not be able to ship products for another six weeks.<\/p>\n This could mean the possibility of empty shop shelves and a loss of sales, even if the stores do stay open.<\/p>\n Administrators at PwC\u00a0are still engaged in talks with further rival retailers Poundland, Home Bargains and The Range who would take on some stores.<\/p>\n Poundland's owner Pepco is said to be eyeing up around 100 stores.<\/p>\n Even if Mr Putman's, B&M's or other bids go through, some\u00a0Wilko\u00a0stores will still be forced to shut for good, potentially hundreds.<\/p>\n Sources expressed frustration that a rescue of Wilko had been delayed by the eleventh-hour intervention by M2 Capital, which has since been accused of time-wasting.<\/p>\n All of the chain's 400 sites are currently trading and remain open as normal.<\/p>\n Wilko\u00a0tumbled into administration\u00a0earlier this month, putting the\u00a0future of its shops at risk, as well as the jobs of 12,500 workers.<\/p>\n The chain, which was founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson in 1930, had been facing issues for several months.<\/p>\n Wilko filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on August 3, 2023, after struggling for some time to find a buyer.<\/p>\n The company borrowed \u00a340million in 2022 from Hilco as well as cutting jobs and restructuring the leadership of the business.<\/p>\n PwC have been seeking\u00a0offers from interested firms\u00a0in an effort to save jobs and stores.<\/p>\n In an emotional interview, Lisa Wilkinson, granddaughter of the chain's founder, said that everybody put their\u00a0"soul and heart" into saving the chain.<\/p>\n So far PwC has confirmed a total of 269 support centre team member\u00a0roles have now been cut. <\/p>\n A further 14 jobs at\u00a0Kin Limited, a subsidiary of Wilko, have now also been made redundant as of yesterday. <\/p>\n More job losses are expected at distribution warehouses soon, with union GMB stating that these will start\u00a0this week.<\/p>\n GMB said it remains hopeful that there is a \u201cviable buyer on the table\u201d which could protect staff in stores and online, but that it must \u201ccontinue to prepare for the worst\u201d.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, we have put together a\u00a0full list of retailers offering jobs\u00a0to devastated Wilko staff.<\/p>\n To keep up to date with the latest on Wilko\u00a0follow our live blog.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-23798477-1693875339131.jpg\")
<\/picture>FINGER LICKIN’ <\/span><\/p>\nMap reveals best-ranked takeaways in the UK – is your favourite on the list?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/NEW-OFF-PLATFORM-TEMPLATE-55-2.jpg\")
<\/picture>TIME’S UP <\/span><\/p>\nWilko job cuts start this week as bid fails – but thousands of roles MAY be saved<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-23798743-1693862292885.jpg\")
<\/picture>SOFT CELL <\/span><\/p>\nHigh street giant forced to lock up duvets & pillowcases as shoplifting soars<\/h3>\n
<\/picture>RETAIL PAIN <\/span><\/p>\nWilko rescue hangs in the balance as potential deal hits major sticking point<\/h3>\n
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