Will AF Blakemore buy Appleby Westward?

SPAR South West’s primary distributor Appleby Westward Group (AWG) is up for sale by its South African owner SPAR Group (SPPJ.J), and industry speculation is rife that AF Blakemore is in negotiations to purchase the business.

According to news agency Reuters, SPPJ.J said it is planning to sell its UK retail business after completing a review of its European operations and is in exclusive talks with an established UK-based business. A spokesperson for SPPJ.J said that the potential buyer is “well positioned to develop and grow AWG in South West England”.

In response to the speculation, AF Blakemore said: ‘We are aware that as part of their financial results, SPAR SA have announced the divestment of their UK business, AWG. We do not comment or speculate on announcements of this kind.”