UK-based supermarket chain Morrisons has announced the acquisition of 38 convenience stores in the Channel Islands from its longstanding partner, SandpiperCI.

This move strengthens Morrisons' position in the convenience market and expands its reach across the British Crown Dependencies.

The acquired stores, located across the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney, were previously supplied by Morrisons and include 19 stores already operating under the Morrisons Daily banner. 

The deal also encompasses six fuel forecourts, bringing the total revenue of the acquired stores to £124.5m ($155.49m, excluding fuel) over the past year.

This acquisition builds upon a successful existing partnership.

Since 2018, Morrisons and SandpiperCI have collaborated through a franchise and wholesale supply agreement, facilitating the transition of the aforementioned 19 SandpiperCI stores to the Morrisons Daily format.

The acquisition will see approximately 520 SandpiperCI employees, including store personnel, operational staff, and management, join the Morrisons team. 

Joseph Sutton, Morrisons' Convenience, Online and Wholesale director, will oversee the newly acquired business, supported by his team, including Miles Foster, the Convenience Operations director.

Morrisons already boasts a strong convenience store presence in the UK, with roughly 1,600 stores, of which 600 operate as franchises.

Commenting on the acquisition, Rami Baitiéh, Morrisons CEO, said: “We have had a solid and successful supply and franchise partnership with SandpiperCI and we have a strong relationship with the business. I look forward to welcoming 520 more colleagues into the Morrisons family, together with 38 popular and well-located convenience stores.

“Our convenience business is now well set and growing rapidly. The addition of a further 38 stores will bring us another opportunity for growth and a strong position in the important Channel Islands’ convenience market.”