Theo Paphitis confirms he is ‘in’ HMV

Dragons’ Den judge Theo Paphitis has confirmed that he has entered the race to be the new owner of HMV, Jessops and Blockbuster stores.

The Daily Mail reports that the boss of the Robert Dyas, Ryman and Boux Avenue chains has confirmed that he is in discussions with administrators Deloitte and PwC about buying outlets from the collapsed retailers.

“My interest for HMV harks from an era that thinks what a great brand,” Paphitis told the newspaper. “Often I have looked at things and thought is there something there?

“Also I could put a Dyas or Ryman in some of its stores, and am also talking to the administrator of Jessops where I have identified some shops, as well as Blockbuster.”

However Paphitis ruled out a bid to save both HMV and Jessops as ongoing businesses very early on in the administration process.