Wilkinson Hardware Stores Ltd, wilko Ltd and wilko.com Ltd - update

Update from Jane Steer, Zelf Hussain and Edward Williams of PwC, Joint Administrators of Wilkinson Hardware Stores Ltd, Wilko Ltd and Wilko.com Ltd (“the Companies” or “Group” or “wilko”):

“Since our appointment as administrators of wilko we have held extensive discussions with parties who expressed an interest in buying all or part of the business. While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it’s clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole Group. Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.

“We know this will further add to the uncertainty felt by workers. We will be supporting staff through this deeply unsettling time, working closely with the government, JobCentre plus, unions and large employers to maximise possibilities for a rapid return to work for employees in the event of redundancies. 

“In the immediate term, all stores remain open, continue to trade and staff continue to be paid. Contrary to speculation, there are currently no plans to close any stores next week.”

ENDS