MORRISONS has completed its acquisition of 36 Sandpiper stores across the Channel Islands in a move the supermarket chain said will provide £7 million of new investment.
The UK supermarket chain is to rebrand local stores currently trading under Iceland and Checkers Xpress in the coming months. The acquisition does not include the Marks & Spencer Jersey business, which will remain part of the SandpiperCI Group.
Two Le Cocq’s Stores in Alderney will be under new ownership but not rebranded.
Rami Baitiéh, Morrisons chief executive, said: “I am delighted that now the transaction has completed we can welcome 520 new colleagues into the Morrisons family.
“It’s a great business with great colleagues and we are all looking forward to the exciting next chapter.”
Joseph Sutton, Morrisons convenience, online and wholesale director, added: “New ownership provides an opportunity for a reset and a step forward in the offer we can provide for our customers.
“So we are listening carefully to our customers to find out exactly what they would like to see in the stores under Morrisons ownership.”
He added: “We are looking at bringing new exciting ranges, including more of the great fresh food that Morrisons is known for, together with additional ranges including clothing and homeware and we are particularly pleased to be bringing our popular loyalty card, the Morrisons More Card, to the Channel Islands.” The Morrisons More Card awards points on purchases, as well as offering access to a variety of special prices for card holders.
There are currently 19 Morrisons Daily stores across the Channel Islands.