UK DIY chain Focus to go into administration

Nearly 4,000 staff at the UK's Focus DIY faced an uncertain future today after the struggling retail chain said it plans to put itself into administration.

The private equity-owned firm has asked Ernst & Young to act as administrator, saying it had no alternative after it defaulted on a credit facility.

Focus, which has 178 stores and employs 3,919 staff, is expected to trade as normal until an administrator is officially appointed.

The company underwent a controversial company voluntary arrangement in 2009 when it sought to reduce its rent burden from landlords as it battled for its future.