Retail giant Kingfisher is said to be marketing its high street Woolworths properties as part of its well flagged plans to separate its General Merchandise business.

Kingfisher is thought to be looking at selling 180 of its 804 high street stores, which would raise around £600m.

It is also said to be considering selling warehouses thought to be worth around £200m.

The group has indicated for some time that it plans to demerge or sell its General Merchandise business, which consists of Woolworths, Superdrug, and a record distributer and retailer.

Chief executive Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy is expected to outline his plans for the group's future at its AGM on Wednesday, May 23.

It is though his strategy will be to focus on the group's core DIY and electrical retailing business, which includes B&Q and Comet.

Kingfisher would not comment on the speculation, but rumours suggested it plans to sell the Woolworths sites and then lease them back.

The value of Woolworths as a business would not be affected by the move as all its stores are already held by Kingfisher's Chartwell Land division.

Sir Geoffrey was also rumoured to have approached Angus Monro, former chief executive of discount clothing retailer Matalan, to become chief executive of Woolworths.

Kingfisher would not comment on the speculation.