Asda buys 15 sites from Rontec

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Asda has purchased 15 petrol stations from Top 50 Indie Rontec in the latest move towards its aim of opening 100 standalone petrol stations by the end of 2018.

Asda intends to close and convert the 15 petrol stations over a number of weeks and will re-open the sites under the Asda brand by summer 2015. The first five sites are expected to re-open from mid-March (Staines, Tottenham White Hart Lane, Tilehurst, Plymouth and Woodville).

In addition to the fuel offer, customers will have access to a selection of everyday essentials in the site’s stores as well as the full Asda range through its online click and collect service. Shoppers can complete a full weekly shop by ordering online and collecting it at the site free of charge.

Asda’s president and CEO Andy Clarke said: “Customers tell us that a convenient and great value shopping experience is important to them. Asda is known for its low fuel prices and has been a price leader across the board for 50 years - we are now redefining value retailing, tackling the rapidly changing market head on”.

“We have set out a clear ambition to lead online and expand further into London and the South East, opening 100 petrol stations and 1,000 Click and Collect sites by 2018 as part of our five-year strategy. Our grocery home shopping is already growing at more than 20% year on year and click and collect will allow us to bring Asda value to even more customers with the acquisition of these 15 new petrol stations.”

Four of the locations are in London/inside the M25, four in the South/South East, four in the Midlands, two in the north of England, and 1 in South Wales. The Click and Collect service will not be available at Plymouth and Leamington due to planning restrictions.

The acquisition was announced as Asda unveiled its fourth quarter and full year financial results for 2014, posting a 1% fall in like-for-like sales for the year to 31st December and a 2.6% fall in the 12 weeks to 4th January. Bond also revealed that Asda would be opening a total of 36 petrol filling stations during 2015.

The sites that have been acquired are:

Staines, Chertsey Lane

Tottenham, White Hart Lane

Tilehurst, School Road

Woodville, Burton Road

Plymouth, Exeter Street

Pontypridd, Rhonnda Road

Rainham High Street

Leamington, Rugby Road

Sunderland, Thompson Road

Haydock, East Lancs Road

Ilkeston, Nottingham Road