Pictured above: (from left to right) Browne Jacobson's Mike Hoye with Craig Bales of Poundland 

Local property lawyers at Browne Jacobson have been advising Willenhall-based discount retail giant Poundland on a major expansion programme in Yorkshire and the North West.

The Birmingham based property team, led by Mike Hoye, has been advising Europe's biggest single price discount retailer, on the acquisition of five stores at Barrow, Rochdale, Stockport, Wallasey and Rotherham.

The acquisitions, some of which were former Woolworth stores, were all completed within the space of five months and herald a major expansion plan for one of the Midland's most successful retailers.

Poundland was established in 1990 and in less that 20 years has become Europe's biggest single price discount retailer. Over the last 12 months the company has opened more than 45 new stores nationwide, bringing the total number to 220. It plans to have 250 stores by the end of the year.

Craig Bales, Property Director at Poundland, said: "We are pressing ahead with our ambitious expansion plans which will create 1,500 new jobs.  We have worked closely with Browne Jacobson for the past 5 months and their commitments and professionalism is key to us when delivering our new store programme. We forward to working with them in the future".

Mike Hoye, property lawyer at Browne Jacobson, said : "These new sites are a major part of the company's expansion plans in the North West. Despite the tight deadlines all the deals were completed on time. Poundland is an incredible success story, bucking the trend afflicting most high street retailers. The business continues to expand and create jobs and we are delighted to assist in its success."