Homebase is one of the UK's leading DIY, gardening and home improvement chains. It was founded in October 1979 as a joint venture owned 75% by J Sainsbury plc and 25% by Belgian retailer GB-Inno-BM (GIB). Homebase opened its first store in April 1981, in Purley Way, Croydon. Homebase more than trebled its size in March 1995, by the acquisition of Texas Homecare from Ladbroke Group Plc.

Homebase operates 297 stores throughout the UK, and employs 17,000 staff, of which 12,000 are part-time.
In 1999 Homebase made an operating profit of £75m.

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