Poundland seeks buyer as it faces potential administration

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 16:15 · Archive

Poundland is in talks with potential buyers to avoid administration, with management attempting a buyout backed by Irish property firm Martin Property Group.

Poundland is in talks with potential buyers as it seeks a rescue deal, with the retailer's management attempting a management buyout backed by Irish property firm Martin Property Group. Managing director Barry Williams and the leadership team, along with Andy Bond, a former chairman of parent company Pepco, are working with Martin Property Group on the deal.

The chain is facing pressure from rising costs and competition. It expects sales to have grown more than 3% in 2026 compared with the previous year. Poundland operates about 600 stores across the UK and Ireland and employs 12,000 people.

The rescue efforts come after private equity firm Gordon Brothers bought the business for £1 last June. Gordon Brothers is now seeking to sell the company, with advisers hoping to strike a solvent deal that would avoid administration. Other bidders involved in the process include Modella Capital, owner of TG Jones and Hobbycraft, Fortress (owner of Poundstretcher), and Hilco Capital (owner of Lakeland).

However, retail union Usdaw has raised concerns. Bally Auluk, a national officer at the union, said there are 'deep concerns that the business could go into administration' if the management buyout fails. He told reporters that offers linked to the potential management buyout 'are being turned down' and that a decision on Poundland's future could be made very soon.

Management sources have aligned themselves with the Martin Property Group bid, describing it as their preferred partner. But the spokesman said the team will 'work with whoever can deliver the best result for the business, colleagues and suppliers'.

Poundland seeks buyer as it faces potential administration — Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

Poundland takeover talks continue despite union concernsRetail trade union Usdaw said it was concerned the retailer could be moving closer to administration.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 15:59
Poundland takeover talks continue despite union concernsRetail trade union Usdaw said it was concerned the retailer could be moving closer to administration.Independent Business · 13 Oct, 15:59
Poundland in rescue talks as owners seek buyerThe leadership team is attempting a buyout, but a union has warned the retailer could fall into administration instead.BBC Business · 13 Oct, 10:52

In this story: Poundland · Gordon Brothers · Martin Property Group · Usdaw · Modella Capital · Barry Williams · Bally Auluk · UK

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