The founder of beleaguered retailer ModelZone, which is likely to fall into administration today, is preparing an offer to buy the business back, Retail Week understands.

David Mordecai, who is at present chief executive of Hawkins Bazaar parent Tobar Group, is ready to throw his hat into the ring when the retailer hits the buffers.

ModelZone is poised to appoint Deloitte as administrator today.

Mordecai founded ModelZone in 1987 after he bought Brighton-based Model Aerodrome. He rebranded to ModelZone after opening seven more stores.

He left ModelZone last year and was drafted into Hawkins Bazaar in May, just months after the toy retailer was rescued out of administration by owner, private equity firm Primary Capital.