HMV buys Fopp stores and brand

HMV has bought six closed Fopp stores along with the music chain's brand.

It was put into administration earlier this month amid speculation managers had tried to buy up and run too many outlets.

Now HMV is taking on the chain's well known name and several of its most profitable stores from administrator Ernst & Young.

Gennaro Castaldo, from HMV, explained: "Those stores actually were profitable and the Fopp brand - there's a lot of customer interest in it.

"It was very appealing, and I think it was working strongly across the country. But some stores were purchased and maybe didn't fit in with the original plans."

Castaldo said the entertainment giant would look to save some of the 700 jobs lost with the closure: "Where those members of staff are available we'll certainly be looking to rehire them which hopefully will mean up to 70 jobs are saved."