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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Poundland set to buy 99p Stores

The family-owned 99p Stores chain was founded 14 years ago and now has 251 shops across the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ, including several in the West Midlands

Jim McCarthy, chief executive of Poundland

Willenhall-based discount store chain Poundland is poised to buy rival 99p Stores in a £55 million cash and shares deal.

The family-owned 99p Stores chain was founded 14 years ago and now has 251 shops across the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ, including several in the West Midlands.

Its outlets trade as 99p Stores and Family Bargains and serve more than two million customers.

Annual sales were £370.4 million in the year to February 1, 2014 and underlying earnings were £6.1 million.

Poundland, which floated on the stock market last year, will also pick up a warehouse and distribution centre in the transaction.

Chief executive Jim McCarthy said: "This is a good deal for both businesses and will benefit customers and shareholders.

"Through working together, Poundland will improve choice, value and service for 99p Stores' customers, bringing Poundland's know-how and range to 99p Stores."

Family-run 99p Stores was founded by Nadir Lalani with a single site in Holloway, north London, in 2001, helped by sons Hussein and Faisal, before opening a further three stores later that year.