Homebase has collapsed into administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk. Its owner Hilco had been looking to sell the struggling retailer, but has not managed to find an outright buyer. However, homeware chain The Range is buying up to 75 stores and the brand, safeguarding about 1,600 jobs.

Up to 2,000 jobs are at risk after British home improvement retailer Homebase called in administrators who immediately sold up to 70 stores, the brand and its intellectual property to The Range owner CDS in a so-called prepack deal.

The fate of thousands of Homebase staff, including those in Leicestershire, is up in the air after the firm collapsed into administration. Dozens of stores have been saved as part of a recue deal, but many others have an uncertain future.

The DIY retailer appointed administrators at consultancy Teneo on Wednesday before CDS, which owns The Range homeware outlets, bought the majority of its stores out of administration

Homebase has fallen into administration placing 2,000 jobs at risk. The British home improvement company’s owner, Hilco, was actively seeking to sell the beleaguered retailer, which has so far proven unsuccessful.

Homebase has entered administration, endangering 2,000 jobs, as The Range acquires 75 stores Homebase has fallen into administration placing 2,000 jobs at risk. The British home improvement company’s owner,