HMV administrator Deloitte has received more than 50 expressions of interest, including from trade, as it searches for a buyer for the collapsed entertainment retailer.

Deloitte said that it had received interest from trade buyers, private equity and distress funds for the 223 store retailer which appointed administrators on Tuesday.

It is understood there is not yet a set deadline for formal first round bids.

Those interested in the retailer include The Works-owner private equity firm Endless, Jaeger-owner Better Capital and HMV Canada owner Hilco.

Meanwhile, staff at two HMV stores in the Republic of Ireland are staging sit-in protests this afternoon following the closure of the retailer’s 16 outlets in the country.

The workers at the two Limerick shops are attempting to secure the payment of wages they are owed.