29/10/2013

Blockbuster Enters Administration For Second Time

Blockbuster has entered administration for a second time, owners of the DVD and games rental chain have announced.

The chain collapsed in January, blaming a lose of business to online streaming and rental businesses.

In March, the firm's 528 stores were sold to Gordon Brothers Europe, who today announced that it has again entered administration.

In a statement, Gordon Brothers Europe said that it had "striven to turn around the historically loss-making company by restructuring the business, investing significantly in strategic marketing activities and negotiating with the landlords of its retail outlets".

"The company also tried to develop a new digital platform but was unable to broker a licensing deal with Blockbuster UK's parent company in the US.

"Regrettably, the months since the acquisition have also coincided with a period of poor trading performance across both rental and retail sales."

It is understood that there will be 32 redundancies at Blockbuster's UK headquarters, but the 264 stores that remain will continue to trade while a buyer is sought.

(MH/IT)

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