A SALE of collapsed East Anglia-based electricals retailer Bennetts could be announced as early as Monday.

Administrators from accountancy firm PKF, who were appointed at the troubled firm on March 10, were yesterday continuing exclusive talks with an unnamed “preferred bidder”.

It is understood that a deal could be announced as early as Monday, although a Tuesday announcement is thought more likely.

Bennetts, which is based in Norwich and has 14 stores across East Anglia as well as two others, in Surrey and Gwynedd, called in administrators following a string of setbacks, culminating with the withdrawal of support by a credit insurer which left the company unable to source supplies to meet new orders.

All its stores have remained closed since the appointment of the administrators and earlier this week 228 Bennetts staff were made redundant, with only 57 being retained for duties such as stocktaking.

National chain Comet his been linked with a bid to acquire the business as has a group of managers from Bennetts, led by managing director Mike Jones.

Customers of Bennetts who have paid money and are awaiting deliveries can call a special help line on 0845 4582000.