Reports: TK Maxx heads bidders in Comet store fire sale

Clothing retailer said to be interested in 25 stores

TK Maxx has seemingly jumped to the head of the queue in the Comet fire sale, with the clothing retailer reportedly interested in snapping up a quarter of the 100 "viable stores".

According to the Daily Express, the discount fashion firm is throwing its hat into a ring thought to contain Dixons, Maplin, Blockbuster and B&M. A source told the paper that less than half of Comet's 236-store estate would make attractive purchases for potential suitors.

"There are a maximum of 100 Comet stores that are viable, which will be cherry picked, with the remainder closing down," said the source.

Last week DRL became the first confirmed bidder for a chunk of the fallen electricals outfit, after it was revealed that the Bolton-based e-tailer has offered a seven-figure sum to acquire Comet's online operations. A firm bidder for any of the company's stores is yet to emerge, with 41 outlets already set for closure, resulting in more than 1,000 jobs being lost.