Fears for Dealz jobs as Poundland administrator appointed

Updated / Friday, 30 Oct 2026 09:05

There is speculation about the future of thousands of jobs as Poundland - which uses the brand name Dealz in Ireland - filed notice of its intention to appoint an administrator to the company in the UK.

Dealz and Poundland are owned by Gordon Brothers, which bought them from Pepco Group in 2025.

Dealz operates more than 70 stores around the country, while Poundland currently runs around 600 stores across the UK.

Poundland stressed that all its stores remain open and trading as normal despite the insolvency process.

It comes after owner Gordon Brothers rejected a takeover offer from Northern Ireland property firm Martin Property Group.

Gordon Brothers - which only bought Poundland last year for £1 - launched a sale process for the retailer at the start of September.

Court filings show that Poundland filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators yesterday, which will give the business 10 working days of breathing space from creditors to secure a potential rescue deal.

Advisers are still in talks with parties interested in buying the brand and swathes of stores.

"Despite enormous efforts it has not been possible to identify an acceptable offer for the business as a whole," Poundland managing director Barry Williams said.

"The process has however attracted several established retail operators who have made formal offers. Collectively these cover a significant part of the business, and we believe offer the best available prospects for shareholders, creditors and to preserve jobs," he said.

"We recognise any sale process creates uncertainty and particularly when set against a challenging UK economic environment," he stated.

He added that the retailer will be working closely with its advisers to "identify and deliver the best possible outcome".

It is understood corporate advisory firm AlixPartners will be appointed as administrators.

Wilko and The Range owner CDS Superstores, Poundstretcher owner Fortress and TG Jones owner Modella are all understood to be interested in buying parts of the Poundland business.

However, deals are unlikely to include all Poundland stores and some jobs are likely to be impacted.

Gordon Brothers had overseen a major turnaround programme at Poundland which had already resulted in the firm shutting more than 100 shops over the past year in an effort to shore up its finances.