Sainsbury's buys over leading regional store chain

Sainsbury's has bought over a leading regional convenience store chain, with its 114 outlets, it has been announced today.

In taking over Jacksons, Sainsburys boosts its regional presence to 250 stores; comprising 67 Sainsbury’s Locals, 54 Bells Stores, and a further 22 in partnership with Shell UK. The regional market has experienced healthy growth of late – with 55,000 convenience stores in the UK, the sector grew at 7.3% in the past year to top £23 billion in sales.

Jacksons is one of the UK’s leading independent chains with stores across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. All 2,350 members of staff and management will remain with the business, Sainsbury's said.

For the financial year ended in April, Jacksons’ turnover was £143 million, with net assets valued at £25.5 million. It also recently won 'The Grocer' magazine's 'Gold Award' – a title presented to the company judged to be Britain’s best independent retail chain.

The Jacksons stores will operate as a separate business run by the "current strong management team" from Jacksons’ support centre. Jacksons’ supply chain arrangements will remain in place as it benefits from its own warehouse and distribution facilities and Sainsbury’s will act as a supplier to their depot.

Angus Oughtred, Managing Director of Jacksons, said he was immensely proud of the chain's recent achievements and was delighted to have secured the Sainsbury’s deal.

"This is in the best long-term interests of Jacksons customers as it will enable us to continue to grow the business enhancing our offer to local customers as well as retaining our employees under their current employment terms,” he said.

Jim McCarthy, managing director of convenience at Sainsbury’s, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to acquire Jacksons, particularly as customers will benefit from the improved customer offer. I look forward to working with Angus and his team to develop a convenience offer which combines the strengths of both our brands and makes Sainsbury’s products more accessible to more customers across the country.”

Sainsbury’s and Jacksons will work together to combine Jacksons’ strong local offer and expertise in the convenience sector with Sainsbury’s knowledge of fresh and convenience foods, the high street retailer added.

(gmcg)