Landmark Wholesale and Today’s Group have sought to reassure independent retailers about the future of Lifestyle and Today’s retail fascias following the wholesale groups’ plan to merge.

Following the announcement of the proposed merger of the two organisations earlier this week, Landmark md John Mills and Today’s md Darren Goldney have released a joint statement explaining how the merged company, Unitas Wholesale Ltd, will affect the groups’ fascias.

Mills and Goldney said: “Both buying groups have their own fascias which have been invested in by our retailers and wholesale members to create contemporary store formats that satisfy the needs of their customers on a daily basis.

“We would like to reassure these retailers that the fascias will continue as they are, however they will benefit from the support of a stronger, scaled-up group working closely with suppliers to do an even better job.”

Both groups operate multiple fascias including: Today’s Extra; Today’s Local; Today’s Express; Today’s Drinks; Day Today; Day Today Express; Lifestyle Express; Lifestyle Extra; and Lifestyle Value.

Landmark and Today’s members have until 6 September to vote on the proposed merger. If approved, the transaction is expected to complete by November this year.