Hopes over the future of collapsed music chain HMV were raised after its debt was bought by the restructuring business behind HMV Canada.
Hilco UK has taken on the debt from lenders Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland in a move effectively giving it control of the business.
It comes after Hilco was appointed adviser to HMV’s administrator Deloitte on Monday.
The move should give administrators more time to secure the future of the 92-year-old company, and will bring some certainty for the business.
Entertainment giants including Universal Music, Warner Music and Sony are said to be in favour of a buyout by Hilco.
The suppliers are reportedly planning to offer HMV suitors generous credit terms and cut the price of CDs and DVDs to help keep HMV’s presence on the high street.
Hilco is best known for its rescue of furnishings group Habitat.