Bathstore could be saved

HOMEBASE is preparing to buy Bathstore out of administration after it collapsed last month, putting the future of its 135 stores and 450 staff at risk.

It has already axed 89 jobs at its head office as administrators BDo hunt for a buyer. A deal could be done as soon as this weekend, according to reports.

The UK DIY chain, which was owned until last year by Australian retailer Wesfarmers, is planning to put Bathstore concessions in some of its stores.

Homebase, now owned by Hilco, is looking to add more concessions to its shops after Wesfarmers stripped them out following a disastrous takeover in 2016. Homebase declined to comment yesterday.