Chris Dawson, the 'Del Boy billionaire' behind The Range and Wilko, joins the race to rescue Poundland

Retail union Usdaw branded Poundland's US owner Gordon Brothers an "absolute disgrace" as 12,000 jobs hang in the balance amid a sale process.

Chris Dawson, 74, the Plymouth-based billionaire founder of CDS Superstores, is reportedly considering a bid to buy parts of Poundland as its current owner Gordon Brothers scrambles to find a buyer before Christmas. Dawson, who already owns The Range, Wilko and Homebase, joins a growing field of suitors including Poundland's own employees. Gordon Brothers bought the chain for just €1 last year after Pepco Group sold it amid a brutal trading slump.

Poundland has been hammered by rising costs, Labour's employer National Insurance hike, and shoppers switching to online rivals including Temu and TikTok Shop.

Daily MailWill 'Del Boy billionaire' ride to Poundland's rescue?TheBusinessDesk.comThe Range and Wilko’s South West owner eyes Poundland as sale race heats up - TheBusinessDesk.com Retail GazetteThe Range owner Chris Dawson joins race for Poundland stores - Retail Gazette Retail WeekThe Range owner CDS makes bid for Poundland - Retail Week

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