BHS deal still elusive one week after bid deadline

Staff at Kirkcaldy's BHS store were still waiting to hear today (Thursday) if a rescue bid will be forthcoming for the stricken retail chain.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th May 2016, 13:58 BST

Updated 26th May 2016, 15:02 BST

BHS Kirkcaldy - the first BHS to open in Scotland in 1964

The firm previously warned BHS would be liquidated if no deal was done by close of business on Friday this week, however, a last-minute bid by former Mothercare boss, Greg Tufnell (leading the Richess Group) is understood to have delayed this process.

Other bidders, including Matalan founder John Hargreaves, are now reported to have fallen out of the running.

Meanwhile, the fate of 11,000 jobs and 164 department stores lies in the balance.

That includes a team of around 30 people at the Kirkcaldy store - which was the first BHS in Scotland when it opened in 1964.

David Gill, Usdaw union’s national officer told the Press: “We understand there are a number of bidders seeking to acquire BHS and we would welcome a serious buyer that wants to run the business as a going concern and secure jobs.”