Homebase buyer pays its backers
12 April 2012
THE venture capitalist that bought DIY chain Homebase from Sainsbury's said today it was repaying £240m to its backers in a move triggering speculation of an imminent flotation.
Permira is making the payment to co-investors including Schroder Ventures International Investment Trust earlier than planned because the 274-strong warehouses chain has had a blistering performance since the £750m buyout last March.
Analysts expect Homebase to report a 12% sales leap at next month's full-year results.
