After nearly a year of speculation, the A.F. Blakemore has entered into an asset purchase agreement of the South-West Spar licence from Appleby Westward Group (AWG).
With the licence comes the acquisition of 71 company-owned stores, associated warehouse and logistics infrastructure and related independent retailer supply agreements.
Talks regarding the sale of Appleby Westward Group assets began in June of last year, with owners Spar Group South Africa selling as part of a “strategic realignment” in order to focus efforts on future investments in its core home markets of South Africa and Ireland.
A.F. Blakemore confirmed it paid a consideration of £7m for the assets acquired.
Completion of the deal is subject to customary conditions, including lease assignments, and is expected to occur in stages between June and September 2026. 63 further stores are being disposed of to third-party operators. These transactions are at an advanced stage and are expected to be completed by September 2026.
Once completed, A.F. Blakemore will support more than 1,000 Spar stores, making it the largest Spar operator in the UK.
Commenting on the acquisiton, Carol Welch, chief executive officer of A.F. Blakemore, said: “This is a significant milestone for A.F. Blakemore and an important step in our long-term growth strategy. Expanding into the Southwest 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 Ltd, 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 Southwest 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, added: “With our owners having decided to seek a new owner for AWG and the Spar brand in the Southwest 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.”
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