Bathstore could be sold in Wolseley shake-up

Yesterday Wolseley refused to comment on the reports, but the company is understood to be in the process of appointing advisers to work on the disposal of the 160-store chain, which sells bathroom suites and hardware such as taps.

The retail business is seen as different to the rest of Wolseley's portfolio, which includes Plumb Center and mainly caters for trade customers.

Earlier this year, Wolseley announced a deal to sell Bristol-based building tools and equipment firm Brandon Hire. The move followed a review led by chief executive Ian Meakins, which saw 19 of the group's underperforming businesses put on a list to improve or sell.

It did not name the businesses to be offloaded if they failed to perform.

Bathstore works with European designers to offer a number of ranges exclusive to the chain. It works directly with global manufacturers to make them affordable.

Since opening its first store in Croydon in 1990, Bathstore's retail presence has continued to grow.

It has four warehouses across the UK.