"Some redundancies" possible as SandpiperCI sells 38 stores to Morrisons

Tuesday 07 May 2024

UK supermarket giant Morrisons is set to take over Morrisons Daily, Iceland, and Checkers Xpress stores in Jersey after coming to an agreement with current owner SandpiperCI.

The firms hope that the deal will be completed by July, subject to approval from the Channel Islands’ regulatory authorities.

Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited will acquire the Jersey and Guernsey stores currently trading under Morrisons Daily, Iceland, and Checkers Xpress.

The sale will also apply to Le Cocq’s in Alderney.

It does not include the Marks & Spencer Jersey business, which will remain part of the SandpiperCI Group.

In a statement, SandpiperCI said: “It is anticipated that all store-based colleagues will transfer over to Wm Morrison Supermarket Limited as part of the disposal.

"Some redundancies may occur in back-office roles, and Sandpiper will be consulting with affected staff members over the coming weeks.”

Both retailers announced the transaction this afternoon for the stores, including six fuel forecourts, which last year had a turnover of £124.5m.

Morrisons' relationship with SandpiperCI dates from 2018 when the two companies signed a long-term franchise and wholesale supply agreement. Since then, 19 SandpiperCI stores have been fallen under the Morrisons Daily brand.

Morrisons chief executive said Rami Baitiéh said: "We have had a solid and successful supply and franchise partnership with SandpiperCI and we have a strong relationship with the business.

"I look forward to welcoming 520 more colleagues into the Morrisons family, together with 38 popular and well-located convenience stores.

"The addition of a further 38 stores will bring us another opportunity for growth and a strong position in the important Channel Islands' convenience market."

Morrisons has around 1,600 convenience stores across the UK, of which roughly 600 are franchise stores.