Homebase interested in failed Moben and Dolphin

Homeform has concessions within the DIY chain’s stores, and Homebase is considering acquiring the brands including Moben or Dolphin, it is understood.

An affiliate of private equity firm Sun European Partners bought back Homeform’s Sharps business in a pre-pack deal after the appointment of Deloitte as administrator. The rest of the group remains in administration. All Moben and Dolphin stores have shut but the brand - also including Kitchens Direct - is for sale, according to Deloitte.

The future of other retail businesses also hang in the balance. Endless, the former owner of discount department store group TJ Hughes, has decided against attempting to buy back any part of the business out of administration, as had been mooted last week.

Other potential buyers were circling parts of the store portfolio. Among those linked by sources to potential deals was Primark.

TJ Hughes’ administrator Ernst & Young said it still hoped to find a buyer for the retailer.

Following the acquisition of Jane Norman by Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Debenhams - which has a change of control clause affecting Jane Norman concessions in its stores - was considering its position and met with affected parties but no decision has yet been made.