Haldanes back on the acquisition trail

FAST-growing supermarket chain Haldanes has appointed a chief executive and announced plans to acquire four stores.

The Grantham-based firm, which has 15 outlets in Scotland, said it was "well advanced" in negotiations to take over four supermarkets in the Midlands. This would take the chain to 29 branches.

Chris Laud, the firm's finance director, will take over the chief executive role following the departure of Graeme Hay, who left at the end of March. Hay sold his stake in the firm to chairman Arthur Harris, who is now the majority shareholder.