Poundland to open 500 new UK stores and expand into mainland Europe


Discount retailer likely to float on London stock exchange next year in wake of 15% sales rise.

The company, which is controlled by private equity group Warburg Pincus, wants to more than double in size in the UK to 1,000 stores and is also plotting expansion into Europe.
Jim McCarthy, the chief executive of Poundland, insisted the company “hasn’t discussed a timetable” for a flotation with its majority owners and that no advisers have been appointed.

However, Mr McCarthy said it “wouldn’t be a surprise” if there was a private equity “event” in the near future given that Warburg Pincus has owned Poundland since 2010 and it has grown substantially during that time
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It is understood that Warburg Pincus is considering an IPO of Poundland in the first half of 2014, although a final decision has not been taken on the flotation.
Mr McCarthy added: “We are paid here to run the business and create the conditions where choices can be made.”
Source: Telegraph