Orkney store purchased by Asda

It has been revealed that Dounby Co-op and forecourt has been included in the massive deal to transfer 129 stores and petrol forecourts to grocery giant Asda.

The deal which was announced today, and is worth an enterprise value of £600 million, adds to 320 petrol stations stores currently operated across the Uk by Asda, who say the move is part of plans to move into the smaller convenience shop market.

An Asda press release states that: “The circa 2,300 colleagues currently employed in the Co-op stores will transfer to Asda’s employment under TUPE transfer following completion and after a transition period. “

Mohsin Issa, Co-owner of Asda, said: “We have always been clear in our ambition to grow Asda and are hugely excited to create this new and distinct part of our business, giving us the opportunity to bring Asda value in fuel and groceries to even more customers and communities across the UK.”

A Co-op spokesman said: “We would like to reassure our customers that the store will continue to trade as a Co-op until for the time being until it and the employees are transferred over to Asda.”

The deal includes several other stores in the North of Scotland, including ones in Broadford, Skye, and in Stonehaven.