Poundland in rescue talks as owners seek buyer

Retail chain Poundland is in talks with potential buyers as it seeks a rescue deal, it has confirmed.

But a union representing shopworkers warned that the retailer could fall into administration if that deal falls through, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

Poundland has about 600 stores in the UK and Ireland, and 12,000 employees.

However, it expects sales to have grown more than 3% in 2026 compared with the previous year, which managing director Barry Williams said earlier this month was evidence that its recovery plan "is working".

The current owners are in the process of seeking buyers, with the Poundland management attempting a buyout, a spokesman said.

Martin Property Group is the management team's "preferred partner", the spokesman said, but the team will "work with whoever can deliver the best result for the business, colleagues and suppliers and build on the successful recovery that's already taking shape," he added.

"We are aware that a management buy-out has been attempted and we are told that their offers are being turned down," he added.

Retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth said there were "tough times" on the High Street for all retailers.

Poundland itself faces intense competition from rivals including B&M, Aldi, Lidl and from online retailers including Temu and TikTok Shop.

However, increased sales this year showed a deal with Mr Williams as boss "would make good sense", she added.

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