An ex-DJ and a former Lord Mayor: Who is behind Poundland bidder Xyra Group?

Xyra Group is pulling ahead in the race to buy Poundland. Felix Armstrong explores who is behind this little-known investment firm A former DJ, an ex-builder and the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London walk into a boardroom. Could they walk out as the new owners of Poundland? Xyra Group, an obscure investment firm, is emerging as the “frontrunner” to snap Poundland from the jaws of administration, as 12,000 jobs and 600 stores hang in the balance. The group has offered to pay £12.5m up front for the retailer, putting it ahead of Martin Property Group, which has already had one bid refused by Gordon Brothers, Poundland’s Boston-based owners. The bidder has never completed a transaction before and has signed up a number of City veterans in a bid to bolster its credentials. Xyra Group could become the new owners of one of the biggest presences on British high streets in a matter of days, but very little is known about the London-based investment firm and its senior lead