Chris Dawson, the billionaire owner of The Range, Homebase and Wilko, is understood to be considering a bid for parts of Poundland as the struggling discount chain attracts interest from a number of potential buyers.
The 74-year-old, who has been dubbed the ‘Del Boy billionaire’, is among those examining the retailer as its owner, Gordon Brothers, explores offers for the whole business and viable sections of its store estate.
Poundland’s management is also working with Martin Property Group on a fully funded proposal to keep the business intact, while Lidl, Modella Capital and Poundstretcher owner Fortress Investment Group are understood to be interested in acquiring stores or parts of the operation.
Poundland sale follows difficult year for retailer
Gordon Brothers bought Poundland from Pepco Group for a nominal €1 in June 2025, citing challenging trading conditions. The US firm has since launched a sale process barely more than a year after taking control.
The retailer has been hit by higher inflation, rising operating costs and pressure on household budgets. Fewer products now sell for £1, while higher wages and employer National Insurance contributions have added to the strain on its margins.
Poundland has also faced tougher competition from cheaper online alternatives, including Amazon, Temu and TikTok Shop. A previous expansion into areas such as clothing, frozen food and e-commerce was criticised by retail analyst Jonathan De Mello, who said it had increased complexity and weakened the brand’s identity.
Almost 100 shops had closed or been earmarked for closure by November 2025. By January, the company had shut 149 stores and cut 2,200 jobs as part of a turnaround programme.
However, the chain reported like-for-like sales growth in the quarter to September 26, 2026. Unadjusted fourth-quarter like-for-like sales rose by 3.3 per cent, or 6.4 per cent on an adjusted basis.
Barry Williams, Poundland’s managing director, said: “We ended Q4 with significant momentum, returning to positive like-for-like growth and that momentum has only strengthened in the first week of the new financial year.
“Our recovery plan is working, thanks to our investment in simple low pricing and new ranges, powered by our new in-house teams.”
Who is interested in Poundland?
Mr Dawson is understood to be considering the purchase of a selection of Poundland shops. His CDS Superstores group owns The Range, Homebase and Wilko, and he has expanded through acquisitions from the high street and from administration.
His nickname refers to the personalised ‘DE11 BOY’ number plate on his yellow Lamborghini Urus, a nod to Del Boy Trotter from Only Fools and Horses. He began his career as a market trader before building The Range into a major retail chain.
Lidl is also seeking to expand and hopes to acquire some Poundland stores if the business cannot be sold in its entirety. Modella Capital, which owns WH Smith’s British shops — now known as TG Jones stores — as well as Claire’s, Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, is another potential buyer.
Poundstretcher owner Fortress Investment Group is understood to be interested, while Martin Property Group is the preferred partner of Poundland’s management. The Irish company has property interests ranging from shopping centres to hotels and recently acquired National Car Parks out of administration.
A Poundland spokesperson said the leadership team, including Mr Williams and former Pepco chief executive Andy Bond, had been working with Martin Property Group on an offer that would preserve the business and continue its recovery.
“While the Martin Property Group is the management team’s preferred partner, their sole intention is to work with whoever can deliver the best result for the business, colleagues, and suppliers to build on the successful recovery that’s already taking shape,” the spokesperson said.
Gordon Brothers has appointed Andrew Kirkpatrick, Stephen Welch and Dominic Young to its board to help oversee the sale. The company said discussions were continuing with several potential acquirers, including established retail operators interested in significant parts of the business.
Its spokesman said the board would assess the options “with a view to minimising uncertainty for the people, suppliers and local communities with an interest in the business and its future”.
Jobs and stores at risk in Poundland sale
Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, is understood to have sought talks with Poundland management amid concerns that Gordon Brothers could favour breaking up the chain.
Bally Auluk, Usdaw’s national officer, has claimed that Poundland is close to entering administration, putting 12,000 jobs at risk. The business rejected the suggestion, saying the speculation was “wide of the mark”.
No further closures or job losses have been confirmed, although retail consultant Jonathan De Mello said any new owner would need to review the store estate to secure long-term profitability.
He described Mr Dawson as a strong potential fit because of his experience in the UK variety discount sector and his previous integration of Wilko. He said a trade buyer could provide operational benefits that Poundland needed, rather than another round of financial restructuring.
