The Irish units of home furnishing firms Argos and Homebase enjoyed contrasting fortunes last year.

The renegotiation by DIY chain Homebase of a number of property leases here in its recent examinership has resulted in the firm booking a €33m gain.

THE Irish arm of the DIY and garden centre retailer Homebase last year plunged further into the red, recording pre-tax losses of €46.1 million.

THE Irish arm of the British-owned Homebase last year recorded an operating loss as revenues dropped by 8% to €61.9m.