UK-based online marketplace OnBuy is exploring a “possible synergy” with HMV owner Doug Putman as they look to save Wilko, Retail Week can reveal.

OnBuy has put in a bid to save the Wilko brand and is thought to want to only acquire Wilko.com, while Putman is reported to be looking to acquire over 300 of its 400 stores.

OnBuy founder and chief executive Cas Paton said: “We can confirm that we’ve submitted a bid and it’s being considered. We’re also inviting talks with Doug Putman to explore a possible synergy.

“Wilko is a respected and loved British brand and we’d like to keep it as part of the eCommerce landscape.”   

Paton did not share how much the marketplace is offering to buy Wilko.com but he did confirm the bid is being considered by PwC.

Despite numerous offers, nearly 300 redundancies will begin from September 4 as PwC has not yet found a bidder who wants to buy the entire business.

Offers from Poundland, B&M, The Range and private equity firm M2 Capital have all been considered. The latter was dropped on Wednesday after the company could not provide proof of funds.

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