Electricals group Best Buy Europe is close to acquiring two superstores from Homebase, it is understood.

The shops are in Enfield, north London, and Aintree, Liverpool, the Financial Times reported.

It is thought that Best Buy looked at six Homebase stores altogether.

Best Buy Europe, a joint venture between the US electricals giant and Carphone Warehouse, will launch its first stores here in the spring and has already confirmed openings in Thurrock and Southampton.

The retailer wants 100 stores across Europe by 2010 and will pit itself against incumbent operators DSGi – owner of Currys and PC World – and Kesa, owner of Comet.