Rescue deals for former Wilko stores are “at risk” and could fall through as potential buyers try to negotiate more favourable terms with landlords, The Times has reported.

Agreements proposed by B&M and Poundland for more than 100 former Wilko stores are at risk of falling through.

B&M, which acquired 51 Wilko shops, is accused of delaying the completion of the deal as it renegotiates more favorable rent and lease terms for the sites with landlords.

Poundland was also reported to be in talks with landlords to line up rent deals on the 71 Wilko stores it has agreed to take on. This comes after the discounter announced that it had taken on 20 former Wilko stores with 10 of them opening this weekend.

A spokesman from Wilko administrator PwC told The Times: “The deals that have been concluded provide the purchasers with the opportunity to take on or agree new leases at the relevant vacant sites, subject to the outcome of their discussions with the relevant landlords. We hope that agreements will be reached as soon as possible and that new Poundland and B&M stores will soon be open to customers.”

Poundland commented that it was working hard “to agree terms to reopen as many of the ex-Wilko stores as we’re able”.

B&M did not comment.

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