Sainsbury's buys 114 UK regional stores

UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s today added 114 stores to its portfolio of neighbourhood outlets with a deal for British regional operator Jacksons Stores.

The move, which involves shops across Yorkshire and the North Midlands, is the latest attempt by Sainsbury’s to secure more of the UK’s £23bn (€34m) annual convenience store market – one of the fastest growing areas of food retail.

Earlier this year it acquired Bells Stores in Scotland in a deal that added 54 stores to its local portfolio. It now has more than 250 convenience stores.

Sainsbury’s said all 2,350 members of staff will keep their jobs as it will maintain supply chain arrangements and act as a supplier to the Jacksons’ depot.

No value has been placed on the deal, although Jacksons generated turnover of £143m (€212m) in the year to April 24.