Stores are continuing to trade for the moment, but there are concerns for the 640 jobs in the 77 stores across Ireland.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan heard on Wednesday that DK Windows and Doors Ltd owes approximately €1.2 million in customer deposits it received for 225 unfulfilled orders.

Ms Justice Miriam O’Regan was told that The Range (Ireland) Limited was one of three live bidders for two of the eight home improvement stores

In its petition, the company, which was set up in 2000, said it provides temporary and contract staff for multinational firms, particularly in the tech industry.

The Duke Street, Dublin, outlet opened in 1976 as an exclusive brand retailer for names like Prada, Hugo Boss, Gucci and Paul Smith.

The trial had been provisionally listed for October but was on Friday pushed back to January

Liquidators of Irish-based firms in Russian state-owned GTLK group take action over alleged attempts to seize ownership of aircraft