Trade press release
EFB Retail Ltd acquires Oddbins stores
Whittalls Wine Merchants, a subsidiary of EFB Retail, the largest family owned independent alcohol retailer in the UK, is pleased to announce that late on 25 April 2011 it reached an agreement with Lee Antony Manning and Matthew David Smith as joint administrators of Oddbins Limited to purchase the trade and assets of 37 stores.
This acquisition adds to the earlier purchase of the Wine Cellar estate in November 2009, with the added benefit of entering the new and exciting trading areas of Scotland and London.
This acquisition has saved more than 200 in store jobs.
Raj Chatha, owner of EFB Group, said: “We are pleased to welcome Oddbins colleagues to the EFB Group and team.
“The addition to our retail estate means we can truly call ourselves a national player. This represents a new dawn for these Oddbins stores, and with the well reported financial shackles removed, it will allow for a consistent supply of stock and investment at store level for the benefit of all, most importantly its loyal staff and consumer base.
“Our focus over the coming weeks and months will be to replenish the stores with an exciting range at competitive prices. I am also delighted with the number of jobs we have managed to save.”
Remaining 48 Oddbins shops
I see that the Guardian is reporting that 'Deloitte, which is handling the administration, said it was also confident of being able to announce an "imminent deal" for the remaining 48 shops that continue to trade.'
Remaining 48 Oddbins shops
I see that the Guardian is reporting that 'Deloitte, which is handling the administration, said it was also confident of being able to announce an "imminent deal" for the remaining 48 shops that continue to trade.'
6 comments:
Head office: Chateau Pleck in Walsall. "There has been considerable activity on the darlaston road associated with prostitutes close to Chateau Pleck" is the first interesting thing that comes up when you google Ch P. I remember when every Oddbins was supplying the local brothel....
I am deeply sorry for the staff.
Lack of comunication and for things ending up like this.
Pulllllllllllllllllll
the
Plugggggggggggggggggggg
and what will happen to ex cellar and cva free owners????
Anon Ex Cellar Ltd will I assume continue to trade with four shops. There were rumoured to be trying to buy six Oddbins shops but presumably the EFB deal has put paid to that.
Whether Ex Cellar Investments Ltd, the vehicle that bought Oddbins with money borrowed from Oddbins, will continue is another matter.
I am ultimately glad for the 200 who have been saved and very grateful for the information your blog has supplied.
I am however, very angry at the lack of communication from Deloitte. What now happens to the remaining stores and staff? Who are we trading under and for how long?!
How very sad. I loved my job. :(
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