Somerfield expanding in Scotland

SUPERMARKETS group Somerfield is further expanding its convenience store business with the purchase today of 11 forecourt convenience sites in Scotland for £2.6m.

It has bought the sites from the receiver of Osprey Forecourts and plans to retain and develop five of them. The remaining six sites have been sold as part of the deal for development by a third party.

Somerfield currently operates 29 forecourt sites around the country and today's deal is designed to strengthen its presence in Scotland.

David Cheyne, head of Somerfield's convenience business unit, said: 'These forecourts are in great locations - we now aim to make the investment they deserve.'

The convenience store sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in the retail market.

Rob Crave, the receiver of the Osprey business, said: 'I am very happy that these outlets have been sold out of receivership and that jobs can now be created.'