LONDON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Restructuring specialist Hilcohas bought the debt of HMV, according to sources closeto the situation, giving it a big influence in the fate of theBritish entertainment retailer which fell into administrationlast week.
Hilco, which bought HMV Canada in 2011 and salvaged homegoods firm Habitat, has bought the debt from HMV's lenders RoyalBank of Scotland and Lloyds, the sources saidon Tuesday.
HMV, which has over 200 stores and more than 4,000 staff,had underlying net debt of 176.1 million pounds ($279 million)in October.
The acquisition does not mean Hilco now owns HMV but doesgive the group a central role in its future, potentially givingthe 92-year-old retailer and its administrators Deloitte moretime to attract new backers.
Hilco, RBS and Lloyds all declined to comment. Deloitte wasnot immediately available for comment.
Deloitte has received over 50 expressions of interest in HMVincluding from trade buyers and private equity firms. Videogames seller Game has confirmed it is interest in buying anumber of HMV stores.
Hilco has widely been regarded as a frontrunner to take fullcontrol of HMV due to its relationship with music labels andfilm studios through its Canadian business.
On Monday it was appointed to help Deloitte run the businessduring the administration process, one of the sources said.
HMV's business of selling DVDs and CDs has struggled indeclining markets and amid increased competition fromsupermarkets and online retailers such as Amazon.
