Botterills Convenience Stores (BCS) is to expand into south-west Scotland with the acquisition of the D&M Edgar Group's seven stores.
Dougie and Marlene Edgar, who have run their family business in Scotland for 29 years, have sold stores in Kilmarnock, Ayr, Cumnock, Castle Douglas and Ballantrae for an undisclosed sum.
Lizette Craig, managing director of BCS, said: "The acquisition of these seven stores is a massive boost for the Botterills business and our future growth ambitions. Like the Botterills group, the Edgars are an established family business and long-standing members of the Spar symbol group so there are already numerous synergies between the two businesses."
She confirmed that Edgar's staff would join Botterills, taking its staffing levels to 1,100 across 53 stores.
Dougie and Marlene Edgar said they had taken the decision to retire early. "We are delighted to be selling to Botterills, a business run by good retailers," said Dougie. "It is important to us that our staff are well looked after and we know that they will be fully integrated into the BCS operation. We are happy to be passing our stores to another family company and we take this opportunity to thank our staff and customers for their loyalty over the years."
Jim Botterill, chairman of BCS, said the company would continue to seek suitable opportunities to purchase new outlets, including existing stores operated by other independent retailers. Botterills recently expanded its warehouse in Blantyre to provide distribution capacity for up to 60 stores.