Homebase’s new owner appoints former HMV CEO
Ian Topping has been appointed non-executive chairman at Homebase owner Hilco Capital, reports Insight DIY. According to the report, Topping has been tasked with returning the company to profitability and ‘reinvigorate the Homebase proposition’. Topping was previously Chief Executive at HMV from 2013, when Hilco Capital took on the struggling business. Like Homebase – which […]
Creditors agree to Homebase CVA
The future of Homebase has been bolstered after creditors voted in favour of moving the firm into a compulsory voluntary arrangement (CVA) (BBC). Damian McGloughlin, Homebase Chief Executive, said: “We now have the platform to turn the business around and return to profitability. We can look to the future with great confidence, and we will be working […]
Will Amazon capitalise on Bunnings debacle?
Reports surfaced last week that one of the world’s largest online retailers could be set to take advantage of the Bunnings UK and Ireland fiasco. Since Bunnings withdrew from the UK market and sold Homebase for a nominal £1, the new owners – Hilco Capital – unveiled plans to close a quarter of its stores. […]
Further woe for DIY as Homebase to close a quarter of its stores
Embattled retailer Homebase is set to close a quarter of its stores, according to Sky News, putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk. The widely predicted news comes three months after Hilco Capital bought the struggling company from Wesfarmers for just £1. Wesfarmers’ plans of launching the Bunnings brand in the UK were mortally wounded […]
HMV rescuer buys Homebase & Bunnings UK & Ireland… for £1
Bunnings’ 24 UK and Ireland pilot stores will swiftly be converted back into Homebase stores following Wesfarmers withdrawal from the UK and Irish market. The Australian DIY giant has washed its hands of the struggling UK & Irish businesses for a nominal fee – widely reported as £1. Hilco Capital – which bought the ailing […]
Former Comet owner bids for Homebase
Private investment company OpCapita is reportedly bidding to take on Homebase, following the dire performance of the brand following Wesfarmer’s acquisition. Sky News reports that OpCapita – owner of the Football Pools – has tabled an offer to the Bunnings owner. The private investment company owned electrical goods retailer Comet when that company was liquidated […]
Bunnings UK & Ireland reports £54 million loss
Wesfarmers reported a loss for its new Bunnings UK & Ireland arm of the business in its latest financial statement. Bunnings bought the Homebase business in February 2016 and began the process of importing its Bunnings store concept to the UK & Ireland by converting old Homebase stores in February 2017, starting with St Albans’ two […]
Bunnings brings in new boss for Homebase
Bunnings UK and Ireland today announced the appointment of David Haydon as Trading and Commercial Manager for Homebase. He will join the business in late June, with responsibility for running the Homebase business. Haydon, whose experience includes senior roles at both B&Q and Wickes will join the Bunnings UK and Ireland leadership team, reporting to […]
Bunnings DIY warehouses to launch this year and target trade customers
Bunnings, part of the retail empire of Wesfarmer – now owner of retailer Homebase – is planning a pilot programme of DIY warehouses for the UK before the end of the year. Designed to grab a larger share of the UK’s £38billion DIY market, the Bunnings Warehouse pilots are part of the first phase of investment from Homebase’s new owners. […]
B&Q, Homebase and Screwfix bid for ‘DIY Dad’ cash ahead of Father’s Day
B&Q and Homebase are among the retailers preparing to cash in on Father’s Day with a raft of promotions to lure in customers. B&Q has produced a Father’s Day ‘Product Flash’ media release, pushing discounted products in DIY, gardening, BBQ and gadgets, including brands Stanley, Black & Decker, JCB and Mac Allister. Meanwhile Homebase has a Father’s […]