Waitrose acquires Co-op stores
Upmarket supermarket Waitrose has announced the acquisition of five shops from The Co-operative Group.
The retailer – part of the John Lewis Partnership – has entered into an agreement to buy four Somerfield stores in Ashbourne, Melksham, Storrington and Wellington, along with a Co-operative shop in Menai Bridge.
All existing employees will become partners within the John Lewis Partnership, says the retailer. In addition, Waitrose will be recruiting up to a further 60 employees for each shop.