Co-operative Group acquires David Sands
The Co-operative Group has acquired Scottish convenience store chain David Sands for an undisclosed sum.
The group’s purchase of the Scottish 28 store chain is the latest step in the Co-op’s plans to expand its 2,800-strong UK food store network by more than 300 stores over the next three years.
Around 700 David Sands’ staff will join The Co-operative as part of the acquisition of the family-run business, which was founded in 1812.
In the last two months, The Co-operative has opened 16 new food stores, including eight in Scotland, and later this month will launch a new food store in London’s Battersea as part of the Royal College of Arts’ campus expansion.
Peter Marks, group chief executive of The Co-operative Group, said:
“The Sands stores will be a valuable addition to our food portfolio as we forge ahead with our programme to grow the business by seeking new opportunities at the heart of local communities right across the UK.
He added: “This deal will significantly strengthen our position in Scotland, especially in Fife, Kinross and Perthshire, and complement our existing store estate, which operates from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders.”
The Co-operative group currently operates 370 stores in Scotland and has an annual turnover of over £1 billion.
