Big firms eye Blockbuster UK stores

Two firms are reported to be in discussions to rescue bankrupt rental firm Blockbuster UK.

The prime candidate is reportedly GA Europe, the restructuring firm that administrators PwC brought in to handle the recent closure of Jessops.

"GA bosses are understood to believe they can successfully run a rump Blockbuster business in the UK," said Retail Week (via Cue Entertainment).

The publication also reports that Dish Network, the company that bought Blockbuster US and its subsidiaries back in 2011, is "thought to be in discussions about buying back parts of the business.".

Dish Network is reported to be Blockbuster UK’s largest creditor, and is said to be owed 23m in loans and unpaid royalties.

Blockbuster’s administrator Deloitte revealed earlier this week that 160 of the chain’s 528 stores would be close, but GA Europe may be able to keep some, if not all, of the remaining stores open.