DIY chain Focus has offloaded six stores to supermarket Asda in a bid to raise funds.

The stores in Aberystwyth, Clevedon, Gillingham, Stamford, Torquay and Woking were snapped up by Asda for an undisclosed sum, according to the Independent.

Focus, which has £230m of debt, is trying to raise capital to fund its new store format.

It is thought £40m is needed to roll out the Genesis format which Focus chairman Bill Grimsey believes will turn around the ailing DIY specialist.

The firm made £11.7m loss for the year to 21 February 2010.

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