Homebase may disappear from Ireland as Kingfisher circles

Kingfisher, the owner of B&Q, is understood to be considering an offer for Homebase’s stores in the Republic of Ireland as the wider business is touted for sale.

Homebase, which is owned by Hilco, could be sold after talks were held with a number of potential buyers. It has eight shops in the Republic.

It would mark the end of Homebase stores in the country as Kingfisher, which also owns Screwfix, would probably rebrand the stores under the B&Q fascia. FTSE 100-listed Kingfisher is led by Thierry Garnier, and has more than 1,500 shops in nine countries and 82,000 employees.

Several UK retailers, including Debenhams, House of Fraser, Jack Wills, Karen Millen, and Oasis and Warehouse Group, have wound down their Irish operations