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Buyer found for Blockbuster stores, says administrator | Buyer found for Blockbuster stores, says administrator |
(35 minutes later) | |
DVD and games rental chain Blockbuster has been sold to restructuring specialists Gordon Brothers Europe, its administrators have said. | DVD and games rental chain Blockbuster has been sold to restructuring specialists Gordon Brothers Europe, its administrators have said. |
The move raises the likelihood 2,000 jobs and 264 stores will be saved. | The move raises the likelihood 2,000 jobs and 264 stores will be saved. |
Blockbuster went into administration in January after losing business to online firms streaming films over the internet as well as rentals through the post. | Blockbuster went into administration in January after losing business to online firms streaming films over the internet as well as rentals through the post. |
At the time, the firm had 528 stores - among them were 49 since bought by the supermarket Morrisons. | At the time, the firm had 528 stores - among them were 49 since bought by the supermarket Morrisons. |
Around 200 stores were closed. | Around 200 stores were closed. |
The sale of the 264 stores to Gordon Brothers Europe is for an undisclosed sum. | The sale of the 264 stores to Gordon Brothers Europe is for an undisclosed sum. |
'Thanks to employees' | |
Joint administrator Lee Manning, said: "Having identified a profitable core portfolio of stores we are pleased to have achieved this sale for creditors. | Joint administrator Lee Manning, said: "Having identified a profitable core portfolio of stores we are pleased to have achieved this sale for creditors. |
"Together with the previously announced store sales more than half of the original estate has been secured for ongoing use. | "Together with the previously announced store sales more than half of the original estate has been secured for ongoing use. |
"This transaction provides Blockbuster with a future in the UK and we owe a special vote of thanks to all the company's employees, suppliers and customers for helping us rescue the business." | "This transaction provides Blockbuster with a future in the UK and we owe a special vote of thanks to all the company's employees, suppliers and customers for helping us rescue the business." |
Blockbuster is one of several High Street names to have come under pressure in recent times - particularly from online competitors. | Blockbuster is one of several High Street names to have come under pressure in recent times - particularly from online competitors. |
Among them are camera chain Jessops, which has gone into administration; music and DVD group HMV, which has closed 66 stores; and electrical chain Comet, which closed its doors for the last time before Christmas. | Among them are camera chain Jessops, which has gone into administration; music and DVD group HMV, which has closed 66 stores; and electrical chain Comet, which closed its doors for the last time before Christmas. |
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