Scotmid adds a western touch with Botterills deal

• The Botterills acquisition will take Scotmid's name into new territory in the west Picture: Toby Williams

The purchase of 51 stores, for an undisclosed sum, takes Scotmid to 190 outlets throughout Scotland.

Botterills, based in High Blantyre, has operated under the Spar franchise and employs some 1,000 staff. All its stores will be rebranded Scotmid Co-operative over the next few years.

The deal, backed by Royal Bank of Scotland corporate banking, makes a significant difference to Scotmid's growth ambitions. It is Scotland's largest independent co-operative now employing around 5,000 staff.

It also owns Semichem, the discount health and beauty chain, operating 140 stores in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England.

John Brodie, Scotmid chief executive, said: "This is an exciting acquisition for Scotmid and is absolutely in line with our strategy to become Scotland's preferred community convenience retailer. The Botterills business is also a great fit geographically, extending our network further west and south and bringing some very experienced people in the convenience sector.

"This deal is good news for Scotland as Botterills has now become part of one of the country's largest retail businesses, which is owned, managed and controlled in Scotland.

"I would like to give special mention to Jim Botterill and his family for the professional way they have conducted negotiations especially as they were selling a family business that has meant so much to them for over 50 years."

Jim Botterill said: "This is obviously a difficult and emotional day for our family in letting go the reins of a business that has meant and still means so much to us. However, we had to look to the future and see how best we could look after our staff and customers."

Scott Malcolm, managing director of C J Lang & Son, the independent wholesaler which owns and operates Spar Scotland, said: "We are sad to lose such an important customer with whom we have enjoyed a fantastic relationship over very many years.

"The impact will also be felt by the Spar organisation, as both Jim Botterill and Lizette Craig have been great ambassadors of the Spar brand. We fully understand why the Botterill family have decided to sell at this time and we extend our best wishes to them for the future.

"Naturally it will take Langs time to replace the lost Botterills business but we are confident that will be achieved through the robust strategy we have in place."Increasing our Spar independent retailer estate is an absolute priority, including the opportunity to now focus on recruitment in areas where Spar will no longer be represented."

He said two stores had been added in the last month to the chain of 91 and he expects to have 100 by the end of the financial year.