Game closes 26 stores in West Midlands following administration
CRIPPLED computer games retailer Game is set to close 26 stores in the West Midlands following the collapse of the business.
Administrators from PwC have been appointed to look after the business and they have taken the immediate decision to close 277 of the firm’s UK outlets.
The branches affected in the West Midlands are: Telford (2), Wolverhampton, Birmingham Pallisades, Sutton Coldfield, Hanley (2), Rugby, Merry Hill, Fort Shopping Centre, Coventry, Burton-upon-Trent, Tamworth, Evesham, Solihull (Comet), Walsall, Nuneaton, Hereford, Kidderminster, Shrewsbury, Cannock, Stafford, Birmingham New Street, Leamington Spa, Halesowen and Stratford-upon-Avon.
In a statement, PwC said it was working with a number of parties who have expressed an interest in purchasing part or all of the business and assets of the group.
However, it said that after reviewing the ongoing operational requirements of the business and with the continued difficulties on the high street, it had been necessary to close 277 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, resulting in 2,089 redundancies.
Mike Jervis, joint administrator and partner at PwC said: “Our priority is to continue trading the business as normal while we continue to pursue a sale. The recent job losses are regrettable but will place the company in a stronger position while we explore opportunities to conclude a sale. My team and I will be doing all we can to help the affected employees at this difficult time.”
The remaining 333 stores employing 2,829 people will stay open as normal while the administrators continue their efforts to find a purchaser for the business.
