Administrators reveal location of acquired Focus stores

B&Q parent Kingfisher has taken on the largest slice of the Focus portfolio, agreeing to acquire up to 31 stores in the following locations:

Ashington, Launceston, Buxton, Leominster, Cardigan, Leven, Chard, Louth, Consett, Malvern, Devizes, Melton Mowbray,
Dorchester, Ebbw Vale, Newark-on-Trent, Fakenham, Pembroke Dock, Gainsborough, Shepton Mallet, Goole, Skegness, Harrogate, Spalding, Haverhill, Stroud, Huntingdon, Sudbury, Kendal, Uttoxeter, Thetford and Witney.

Kingfisher group chief executive Ian Cheshire said: "We hope to be able to bring B&Q's choice, convenience and value to these communities as soon as possible. However, the final number of stores is dependent on clearance from the regulatory authorities and satisfactory negotiations with landlords. A swift conclusion to this process would enable B&Q to take on all the staff at these stores."

Meanwhile, Wickes will take on 13 Focus stores and all associated staff members at the following locations:

Beverley, Bishops Stortford, Burgess Hill, Chesham, Hailsham
Hertford, Hinckley, Maldon, Nuneaton, Rushden, Tunstall, West Wickham and Winsford.

B&M has agreed to acquire 11 stores, with staff also set to transfer over under the transaction. The locations of these stores are:

Alloa, Bathgate, Brownhills, Burnley, Coalville, Cramlington Darlington, Dunfermline, Leek, Shipley and Skipton.

About 120 remaining Focus stores now face closure, with retail disposal specialists Gordon Brothers appointed to liquidate stock with a view to closing the retail chain.

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