Robert Dyas is keeping mum over newspaper reports that the 100-store chain is being bought by retail tycoon Theo Paphitis.
When rival DIY group Wilkinsons pulled of the race for Dyas in June it was thought that there was one - then unknown - party still in talks with another showing interest.

Now it is believed that Mr Paphitis - best known as a star of BBC's Dragons' Den - is the only remaining bidder.

He already owns two retailers: lingerie chain Boux Avenue and stationers Ryman.