The Range has agreed to buy Wilko’s brand, website and intellectual property, administrators for the collapsed retailer have announced.
PwC, which was hired to oversee Wilko’s insolvency last month, said it expects online operations to recommence once Wilko’s store closure programme concludes in early October.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will also see 36 workers from Wilko’s digital team transfer over to the Range.
Jane Steer, joint administrator, said: “Since our appointment, the feedback from customers and wider stakeholders during this challenging period has reinforced the fact that Wilko remains a much-loved and trusted brand within the UK.
“This sale to The Range will ensure that the Wilko name lives on under their ownership and we wish The Range every success.”
Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer of The Range said: “This acquisition comes at a time when consumers are more than ever wanting to shop with confidence for value and quality. We are delighted to have acquired this brand and we will ensure that the Wilko brand will continue to deliver for the UK consumer, both in-store and on-line.
“I am also delighted that we were able to retain the Wilko digital trading team. The team are very skilled and experienced, and it means a lot to us to ensure that we could save as many ‘fellow’ retail positions as possible.”
Chris Dawson, founder and chairman of The Range added: “These are exciting times for The Range Group, I am delighted that Wilko will join our family of companies.
“We will drive it forward as fast as we can as we expand the entire business from our continuing store opening programme to our new 1.2 million square foot distribution centre that is being constructed in the South of England.”
Wilko fell into administration in August and started closing shops down on Tuesday following a rescue deal by the owner of HMV fell through.
Several discount retailers, such as B&M and Poundland, have been purchasing leases from Wilko in recent weeks to save select stores, which will undergo rebranding.
The Pepco group, which owns Poundland, has agreed to purchase 71 stores and the full list of locations has now been announced.
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