High Court confirms Homebase examiner

The High Court has confirmed an examiner for DIY chain Homebase, which now has until September to prepare a survival scheme.

Homebase House & Garden Centre Ltd employs 558 people in 15 stores here, of whom 114 are full time. Under survival proposals it may close three stores at Fonthill, Dublin, Carlow and Castlebar.

There had been two expressions of investor interest in the company, one from a related company in its UK-based group and one independent, Mr Justice Brian McGovern was told yesterday.

Having heard from Rossa Fanning, for the company, that there was no opposition to examinership and on the basis of a report from Kieran Wallace, appointed interim examiner this month, the judge said he was satisfied to confirm Mr Wallace as examiner and to return the matter to September 3rd.

The Revenue Commissioners and solicitors for two landlords adopted a neutral position on the application.

Bernard Dunleavy, for the examiner, said pre-petition liabilities would be met including prepaid deliveries. Wages would be paid during the examinership and vouchers for the stores honoured.