Supermarket sale 'could benefit customers'

WM Morrison Supermarkets Limited hopes to take over the Morrisons Daily, Iceland and Checkers Xpress stores in Guernsey and Jersey

Jersey Consumer Council has said the sale by Sandpiper CI of most of its supermarket franchises could benefit consumers.

WM Morrison Supermarkets Limited wants to take over the Morrisons Daily, Iceland and Checkers Xpress stores in Guernsey and Jersey, and Le Cocq's in Alderney.

Consumer Council chairman Carl Walker, said: "Until now we've had three supermarket brands owned by one franchisee, whereas now we're going to have two of those change hands to a major international retailer.

"So there's the possibility that that might increase a bit of competition, which in turn benefits the consumer."

SandpiperCI said its store-based colleagues would move over to Morrisons' payroll, but some office-based staff may be made redundant.

The deal has to be approved by Jersey and Guernsey economic watchdogs before it can go through.

It is expected that, if approved, the sale would be finalised by July.