Several parties have expressed an interest in Woolworths Germany after the retailer filed for insolvency last month.

The department store group, which was backed by British investor Argyll Partners, has received interest from local parties as well as some foreign investors. Administrator Ottmar Hermann is said to be in talks with suppliers to allow the 300-store chain to continue as a going concern.

Woolworths employs around 9,000 staff in Germany. It hit the buffers after a poor Christmas, increased competition and weak sales at its discount operations.

Woolworths Germany bears no relation to the now defunct UK retailer of the same name.