AF Blakemore has acquired 71 Spar stores from fellow wholesaler Appleby Westward in a £7m deal that also brings the supply of a further 130 Spar-supplied shops, and the licence for Spar in the South West.
The deal follows an announcement last year from Appleby Westward Group’s (AWG) previous owner, Spar South Africa, that it was seeking the sale in order to more closely concentrate on its domestic market.
Lease transfers will take place over the summer and, once complete, West Midlands-based AF Blakemore will have over 1,000 Spar shops under its supply or ownership.
The firm says “the majority” of Appleby Westward’s retail and logistics staff will transfer over to it, alongside AWG’s distribution and warehouse operations in its native Saltash, near Plymouth.
Carol Welch, chief executive of AF Blakemore, describes the deal as “a significant milestone”, adding:
“Our focus will be on investing in our customer experiences, supporting growth of our new independent retailers, and continuing to invest in and nurture our colleagues and local communities across the region, reinforcing our key values of ‘Striving for Excellence and Building a Better Future”
Peter Blakemore, AF Blakemore & Son’s chairman, comments:
“As a family business with more than a century of history, we have always believed in long-term investment in the SPAR brand and the independent retailers we serve.
“This expansion into the Southwest reflects that commitment. It strengthens the SPAR network, supports our retail partners, and creates new opportunities for colleagues and communities across the region.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the A F Blakemore team instrumental in enabling this acquisition and extend a warm welcome to our new wider colleagues, retailers and communities.”
Mike Boardman, managing director or AWG, says: “With our owners having decided to seek a new owner for AWG and the SPAR brand in the Southwest of England, we are very pleased with this positive transaction which will strengthen the SPAR brand in the South of England”.
He added that the deal “allows the majority of our stores and colleagues, as well as all retail customer relationships, to transition to AF Blakemore and become part of a highly regarded family business, focused on excellence and inclusivity.”
