Morrisons denies Northern Ireland pull-out
No plans to sell former Safeway stores
Morrisons has denied reports that it is planing to sell its stores in Northern Ireland to rival Asda.
The BBC reported that Asda was close to signing a deal to buy the 13 former Safeway stores owned by Morrisons Northern Ireland.
A Morrisons statement said: “Following the recent media speculation, that Asda is on the verge of purchasing the 13 Safeway stores in Northern Ireland, Morrisons Plc is stating that this information is incorrect.”
Asda, owned by Wal-Mart, followed its normal policy of declining to comment on market speculation. Wal-Mart indicated last year that it was looking to expand its European presence, and a Northern Ireland presence would position the company for a move into the Irish Republic.
