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It’s pretty obvious that we are in challenging times and the “Best Way” profit has plummeted even allowing for exceptional write downs. It also underscores the fact that in the long run the independent sector needs mergers like TESCO / Booker more than ever. The word “independent” is often mistaken for nostalgia and not realism that we all need to accept. The market has changed, the supply chain lines are being blurred more and more and so the question is – does it matter really who supplies you as long your customers are happy with the product quality value and availability and you are making a profit. Your customers are not interested in the supply chain, only their wallets. Everything else is irrelevant. I fully welcome the merger (Tesco/Booker) for not just us members but also for the greater good of the convenience sector. This is the only way we can take ourselves to the next level as Charles Wilson (Booker CEO) recently remarked.

Arjan Mehr Londis Bracknell