's B&M Bargains is reportedly close to securing a deal which will see it buy a majority stake in German discount retailer JA Woll Handels.If completed, it would mark B&M's first move outside of its home market, where it operates 375 stores and employs 17,000 people.
It was purchased by the Arora brothers in 2005, and has grown to a company which last year achieved sales of £1.2 billion.
JA Woll Handels, which is located in the north west of Germany, operates 50 under the Jawoll and Hafu banners. Its annual sales are €155 million.
Earlier this month, reports emerged in the British press that B&M is considering an IPO launch, but a decision on whether to press ahead with a float has not yet been made public.
