Hundreds of jobs are at risks.
Electronics retailer Maplin has entered administration, putting 2,500 jobs across Britain and Ireland at risk.
The group, owned by private equity firm Rutland Partners, called in accountancy giants PricewaterhouseCoopers after a series of attempts to rescue the company failed.
For the meantime, Maplin's 2000 stores will continue to trade and remain open for business, according to chief executive Graham Harris.
He added: “I can confirm this morning that it has not been possible to secure a solvent sale of the business and as a result we now have no alternative but to enter into an administration process.
"During this process Maplin will continue to trade and remains open for business.
"The business has worked hard over recent months to mitigate a combination of impacts from sterling devaluation post Brexit , a weak consumer environment and the withdrawal of credit insurance. "
