Focus DIY has entered administration, appointing Ernst & Young this morning after defaulting on its credit facility and announcing its intention to file yesterday.
Simon Allport, Tom Jack and Alan Hudson from Ernst & Young have been appointed joint administrators and are hoping to sell the business as a going concern.
Mr Allport said: "Low consumer confidence and a very weak housing transaction market has impacted on Focus and placed considerable pressure on sales and margins. Despite management's actions to tightly control costs and restructure the operations, unfortunately it has not been possible for the business to continue to trade outside of insolvency."
He added: "Focus will continue to trade as we look for a buyer for the group and its stores. It is very much business as usual and we are grateful to all the group's loyal customers, suppliers and employees for their continued support."
The company announced its intention to appoint administrators on its website, which is not currently taking orders.
Focus DIY operates from 175 stores across the UK and employs 3,920 staff.
Keep checking diyweek.net for more updates.