DRL steps up to buy Comet web operation

Appliances e-tailer becomes first outfit to show an interest picking over remains of fallen high-street giant

Online white goods retailer DRL has reportedly bid more than £1m to buy Comet's web business as time continues to tick away on the possibility of a buyer stepping in to save the retail chain in its present form.

The Bolton-based firm, which trades primarily as Appliances Online, has tabled a seven-figure offer to buy Comet's online sales operations, according to numerous news reports.

The bid is the first confirmed interest in acquiring any of the fallen tech retailer's assets. Speculation has circulated since Comet's administration that rivals such as Maplin or Dixons might look to buy at least some of the store estate, but a bid is yet to materialise.

Administrators Deloitte last week announced that more than one in six Comet stores is set to close, with upwards of 1,000 job cuts already announced.