AF Blakemore has agreed a deal to acquire the Spar retail and logistics assets, from Appleby Westward Group (AWG) in the south west of England.
The deal will see the majority of AWG’s retail and logistics colleagues join Blakemore, which will grows its Spar estate to more than 1000 stores.
The agreement will see Blakemore acquire 71 company operated stores, as well as supplying over 130 independent SPAR partner stores, and the distribution and logistics operations at Saltash in Plymouth.
In an interview with Better Wholesaling last year, managing director of Appleby Westward Mike Boardman said he believes whoever acquires the business will be getting ‘a jewel in the crown’ and commitment to suppliers, retailers and colleagues remains undiminished, with the wholesaler seeking ‘an owner that takes the business forward.’
Read more: Appleby Westward MD discusses future sale of wholesaler
Carol Welch, chief executive of Blakemore said: “This is a significant milestone for AF Blakemore and an important step in our long-term growth strategy. Expanding into the south west allows us to build the strength of the SPAR brand investing into proposition and value across stores and retail partners supported with an improved supply chain network that delivers scale, service and efficiency.
“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,” she added.
