Blockbuster latest chain to call in administrators

DVD rental chain Blockbuster has become the latest high street casualty to go into administration.

The company employs about 4,190 staff nationwide and has 528 stores nationwide including one in Cookham Road, Maidenhead.

There are also stores in Farnham Road, Slough, Dedworth Road, Windsor, and West Street, Marlow.

Deloitte LLP has been appointed administrator and will keep the stores open while they look for a buyer for the business.

A statement from the business advisory firm said: "We are working closely with suppliers and employees to ensure the business has the best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as much value as possible for all creditors."

In recent years Blockbuster has had to cope with an increasing shift toward the digital streaming of films and competition from internet based providers.

Stores will continue to trade as normal while a buyer for the business is found.

The chain said in a statement it will honour all vouchers and giftcards.

It is the latest retailer to call in the administrators following the collapse of Jessops on Wednesday last week and HMV, which called in the administrators yesterday.