AF Blakemore confirms £7 deal for Appleby Westward SPAR assets

AF Blakemore has acquired 71 SPAR stores from Appleby Westward Group (AWG) and will supply a further 130 independent SPAR stores in a deal worth £7 million.

The agreement will also see AF Blakemore acquire the distribution and logistics operations at Saltash in Plymouth. The majority of AWG’s retail and logistics employees will join AF Blakemore.

Following completion, AF Blakemore will support more than 1,000 SPAR stores, reinforcing its position as the largest SPAR operator in the UK.

Carol Welch, chief executive officer of AF 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’.”

Peter Blakemore, chairman of AF Blakemore & Son, said: “As a family business with more than a century of history, we have always believed in long-term investment in the SPAR brand and the independent retailers we serve.

“This expansion into the South West reflects that commitment. It strengthens the SPAR network, supports our retail partners, and creates new opportunities for colleagues and communities across the region.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the A F Blakemore team instrumental in enabling this acquisition and extend a warm welcome to our new wider colleagues, retailers and communities.”

Mike Boardman, managing director of AWG, commented: “With our owners having decided to seek a new owner for AWG and the SPAR brand in the South West of England, we are very pleased with this positive transaction which will strengthen the SPAR brand in the South of England and allows the majority of our stores and colleagues, as well as all retail customer relationships, to transition to AF Blakemore and become part of a highly regarded family business, focused on excellence and inclusivity.

“We know our retailers and colleagues will continue to thrive under their ownership, and this deal creates many new opportunities for the future.”