emergency talks continue ahead of a midnight deadline for a rescue deal to delay Poundland’s collapse.
Poundland and its 11,000 employees await the outcome.
Gordon Brothers blocked access to £50m in frozen cash.
The US owners prevented bosses from restocking shelves across its 600 shops, according to the BBC.
The discount chain edged toward administration after that block.
“small in the scale of things” sources close to the situation told the BBC on Tuesday, noting that a release of £10m in funding by the investment firm could postpone the chain's collapse while longer-term solutions are considered.
The 10-day moratorium protecting Poundland from creditors expires on Thursday.
The deadline can be extended if a solvent deal is possible.
A committee of MPs plans to question Gordon Brothers on Wednesday.
Accusations follow that the investment firm intends to profit from a piecemeal sale of the retailer’s 600 stores and stock.
Gordon Brothers bought the chain for just £1 last year.
The investment firm denied claims that it forced an administration by restricting available cash needed for restocking, wages, and rent ahead of Christmas trading.
Political pressure mounted following a rejected takeover bid.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Robert Jenrick, Reform’s Treasury spokesman, called for answers.
Jenrick wrote to Gordon Brothers chief executive Norma Kuntz on Monday to demand an urgent meeting.
Views on the chain’s operational performance are divided.
Poundland boss Barry Williams told staff last week that like-for-like sales were up 11.4% over a period including Halloween, running £1.5m ahead of budget.
The business turned a profit of £18.1m in the year to September following a £68m loss the previous year.
Gordon Brothers countered that view by describing the discount chain as challenged and vulnerable to potential trading downturns.
Potential interest from buyers like Tesco, B&M, and Poundstretcher in picking up individual stores could preserve jobs if the business is broken up.
