Musgrave buys J&J Haslett

Musgrave Group has bought one of its major rivals in Northern Ireland.

It has taken over J&J Haslett in a deal which is subject to regulatory approval in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

J&J Haslett supplies almost 200 Mace stores and 70 XL Stop and Shop stores and operates seven Holmes cash and carry outlets.

On completion of transaction, J&J managing director Michael Hamilton and finance director Ronnie Lewis will leave and Martin Kelleher, sales director of SuperValu in the Irish Republic, will take over as managing director.

Delivered business director Tom Uprichard and trading director Michael Patterson will remain in their current positions and as members of the new board.

Chris Martin, CEO of Musgrave Group, said: “J&J Haslett is an excellent business in the dynamic Northern Ireland convenience market. The bringing together of this well-run businesss, combined with the expertise of Musgrave in developing retail brands, growing and developing retailer relationships and using our scale and buying power to maximum benefit for our customers, will secure the future growth of J&J Haslett.”

Musgrave Group’s business already includes Musgrave Budgens Londis in the UK and its supplies Centra and Supervalu stores across Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.