Business News

Poundland to appoint administrators with thousands of jobs at risk

By Press Association Business Staff1 min readThe Independent
Poundland to appoint administrators with thousands of jobs at riskPoundland to appoint administrators with thousands of jobs at risk
Poundland has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Archive)

Court filings show that the retailer filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Thursday afternoon.

High street discounter Poundland has filed to appoint administrators, threatening the future of around 12,000 workers.

Court filings show that the retailer has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Thursday afternoon, which will give the business 10 working days of breathing space from creditors to secure a potential rescue deal.

It is understood advisers are still in talks with parties interested in buying the brand and swathes of stores.

A Poundland store
A Poundland store

Poundland managing director Barry Williams told staff in a memo that the situation is “unexpected, unwanted and wholly avoidable”.

It comes after owner Gordon Brothers rejected a takeover offer from Irish real estate firm Martin Property Group, which management named as their preferred bidder earlier this month.

Gordon Brothers – which only bought Poundland last year for £1 – launched a sale process for the retailer at the start of September.

Poundland currently runs around 600 stores across the UK.