Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LSE:MKS) and B&Q owner Kingfisher PLC (LSE:KGF) are reportedly eyeing the remaining Homebase stores up for grabs after it fell into administration.
According to Sky News, the duo are preparing offers for between 20 and 25 stores as the deadline to prevent the closure of Homebase’s last 50 unaccounted-for sites looms.
Homebase entered administration earlier this month, placing around 2,000 jobs at risk.
The Range bought roughly 70 of its stores, alongside the Homebase brand and e-commerce division, in a pre-pack deal.
Some 1,600 jobs were saved through the deal with The Range, with a deadline for offers over the remaining set for Friday following a sales process by administrator Teneo.
Home Bargains was also said to be in the running for a "small number" of Homebase sites, Sky reported.