As previously predicted the oddbins.com team were made redundant yesterday. The other news is that Emma Nichols, previously Oddbins wine buying consultant, is understood to being recruited by EFB to strengthen their wine buying team. This news comes as some disquiet is being expressed here at the stock currently going into ex-Oddbins now Whittalls shops:

'Much dismay at the new wines arriving at the remaining Oddbins/Whittalls stores this week - not even cheap and cheerful lines, but overpriced and nasty ones. The kind of stuff you see in newsagents, only worse. How much does Whittalls know (or care) about what Oddbins stood for?'

Still early days and EFB are probably concerned to get some stock into the increasingly empty shops as soon as possible. Also EFB would doubtless point out that their businesses are successful and make a profit.

No news of who has bought the rights to the Oddbins name.
 
(Apologies an earlier similar post inexplicably disappeared due perhaps to some internet connection problems today.)

Trade press release

EFB Retail Ltd acquires Oddbins stores

Whittalls Wine Merchants, a subsidiary of EFB Retail, the largest family owned independent alcohol retailer in the UK, is pleased to announce that late on 25 April 2011 it reached an agreement with Lee Antony Manning and Matthew David Smith as joint administrators of Oddbins Limited to purchase the trade and assets of 37 stores.

This acquisition adds to the earlier purchase of the Wine Cellar estate in November 2009, with the added benefit of entering the new and exciting trading areas of Scotland and London. 

This acquisition has saved more than 200 in store jobs.

Raj Chatha, owner of EFB Group, said: “We are pleased to welcome Oddbins colleagues to the EFB Group and team.

“The addition to our retail estate means we can truly call ourselves a national player. This represents a new dawn for these Oddbins stores, and with the well reported financial shackles removed, it will allow for a consistent supply of stock and investment at store level for the benefit of all, most importantly its loyal staff and consumer base.

“Our focus over the coming weeks and months will be to replenish the stores with an exciting range at competitive prices. I am also delighted with the number of jobs we have managed to save.” 

Remaining 48 Oddbins shops
I see that the Guardian is reporting that 'Deloitte, which is handling the administration, said it was also confident of being able to announce an "imminent deal" for the remaining 48 shops that continue to trade.'