A receiver has been appointed to HMV Ireland.

A partner in Deloitte Ireland was appointed receiver to the Irish operations of the retailer.

It follows a request from the directors of the company to the banks to appoint a receiver.

The retailer of filmed entertainment, games, music and portable digital technology products went into administration in the UK yesterday.

HMV operates 16 stores in the Republic of Ireland and employs approximately 300 people.

The stores have now been closed by company directors.

'All efforts made' to find a buyer

In a statement the receiver says it will "institute an assessment of the viability of the company and its cost structure, including property occupational costs".

It also says that all efforts will be made to secure a purchaser for the stores.

The company has struggled in recent years against competition from web-based retailers and digital downloads.