B&Q is set to acquire five Homebase stores in the UK for £2.5m following the chain’s collapse last year.

The stores in Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa and Worcester will join the DIY giant’s portfolio, and store staff will be transferred across.

B&Q said the deal will add a combined 25,000 sqm to its store estate and aims to begin converting the spaces to its banner in the Spring.

It comes after the retailer announced last month that it had acquired three of Homebase’s former stores in the Republic of Ireland for £3.2m, adding 9,300sqm to its portfolio of eight stores.

B&Q chief executive Graham Bell said: “We’re delighted to be buying these five stores, bringing a total of eight additional sites to our fantastic store network in the UK and Ireland.

“We’re determined to give home improvers the choice and convenience they deserve, and to transform the home improvement stores in these locations to fulfil that need.

“It’s a great way to be starting 2025! We look forward to swiftly concluding these purchases and converting the stores to the B&Q brand and offer, and to welcoming our new customers to the stores and new colleagues to the B&Q family.”

Homebase was forced to call in administrators last month as its owner Hilco struggled to find a buyer and secure new funding for the business.

The retailer’s brand and up to 70 of its stores was promptly acquired by The Range and Wilko owner CDS Superstores. It confirmed on Monday that the first three Homebase stores, which will be converted into The Range superstores, will open on January 17.

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