The Co-operative Group has announced the acquisition of two further convenience stores from My Local, taking the total to eight.

The move will see the Co-op add to the My Local stores it has acquired in Croydon, Nottingham, Widnes, Blackpool, Stockport and Steeton, with additional sites in Wilmslow and Ilkley.

Staff at the stores will transfer to the Co-op.

Co-op Food chief executive of retail Steve Murrells said: “The Co-op Food business is moving forwards with a clear purpose and momentum, delivering a compelling, convenient and co-operative shopping experience for millions of shoppers each day.

“Our acquisitions programme is fundamental to the success of this strategy. 

“In the last two years we have opened close to 200 new stores, and in 2016 the Co-op is actively pursuing 100 new stores as well as carrying out refits in a further 150.

“The acquisition of eight My Local stores supports our focus on convenience store retailing and adds to a portfolio that offers the right range in the right location.”

The transactions are subject to the approval of the Competition and Markets Authority.

A number of other My Local stores have been sold to Blakemore Retail, the Southern Co-operative and Eat 17.