// HMV owner Doug Putman to snap up Toys R Us and Babies R Us in Canada
// There are no immediate plans to bring Toys R Us and Babies R Us back to the UK
// Putman said he would assess any opportunities that made business sense
HMV owner Doug Putman has announced he will acquire Toys R Us and Babies R Us in Canada as he “helps drive the business forward”.
Toys R Us and Babies R Us in Canada employs just under 5000 people who work from the company’s head office in Vaughn or at its 81 stores across 10 provinces.
While there are no immediate plans to bring Toys R Us and Babies R Us back to the UK, Putman said he would continue to assess any opportunities that made business sense.
READ MORE: Why HMV is expanding stores in today’s digital world
“Toys R Us and Babies R Us are extremely strong brands that have been in great hands over the past three years,” Putman said.
“Since its split from the US, we’ve watched the way in which the company has grown and focused on the Canadian customer.
“Much has been achieved and we’re excited to help to drive the business forward.”
Putman, chief executive of Canadian chain Sunrise Records, rescued HMV from administration in early 2019.
He recently warned that the UK government must fix business rates or risk further store closures.
Putman plans to open 10 more HMV stores this year as it takes on its biggest rival: Amazon.
The plans include a search for a new London flagship site, following the closure of HMV’s heritage Oxford Street store back in 2018 – the location it traded from since its inception in 1921.
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