Discount retailer B&M has taken over the Heron Food Group for £152 million.

Heron Foods owns 250 discount convenience stores and operates predominately in the North of England, employing 3,800 people.

The acquisition of Heron Foods means B&M now controls a wide portfolio of stores ranging from 2,500 sq ft to 19,500 sq ft. B&M are also looking to open between 10 and 20 new Heron Foods stores each year.

The Heron Food Group is currently managed and owned by Andrew, David and Michael Heuck. Following the takeover, Michael is retiring from the business while David and Andrew are continuing in their current roles.

Simon Arora, chief executive of B&M, said: “B&M is already the UK’s leading general merchandise discount retailer, serving 4 million shoppers per week. The addition of a complementary, proven discount convenience grocery brand to our own structural growth story gives the combined business an even longer, exciting growth runway.”

“I look forward to working with David and Andrew Heuck and the Heron team to drive forward out shared ambition to deliver exceptional value for money to shoppers across the UK.”