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2,643 jobs saved as HMV sale confirmed

Restructuring specialists, Hilco UK, have bought 141 of HMV’s stores, and the group’s head office and distribution functions.

The sale secures 2,643 jobs at the stricken music retailer, as administrators at Deloitte confirmed the deal.

Nick Edwards, Joint Administrator, commented: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of HMV’s UK retail business to Hilco UK. The sale of the restructured portfolio secures the employment of 2,643 staff, saves one of the world’s most iconic retail brands and provides a solid financial footing on which the business can be taken forward.

“We wish the Hilco UK and HMV teams every success with the business. I would like to thank all those stakeholders that have worked with us during the administration, but in particular the staff, suppliers and landlords for their support in making this deal possible.”

Paul McGowan, CEO of Hilco, said: “We have spent a number of weeks negotiating revised terms with landlords and the key suppliers to the business, all of whom have been supportive of our plans to maintain an entertainment retailer on the High Street.”

“We hope to replicate some of the success we have had in the Canadian market with the HMV Canada business which we acquired almost two years ago and which is now trading strongly. The structural differences in the markets and the higher level of competition in the UK will prove additional challenges for the UK business but we believe it has a successful future ahead of it.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .