Further to the announcement of its intention to divest its cash & carry operation, wholesaler AF Blakemore will close its Killingworth depot, and is to sell its Gateshead site to the Glasgow-based United Wholesale Grocers. This follows the disposal of two other sites (one by closure and one by sale) over the last year. Blakemore now has 10 remaining cash & carry depots spread across the midlands, the north of England and Wales.
Keeps Gateshead depot in the Landmark group
As another long term member of the Landmark wholesale buying group, the acquisition by United Wholesale Grocers will effectively keep the Gateshead depot within the Landmark family, and boosts UWG's estate to three sites in total. With its two established locations both in Glasgow, at Polmadie and Springburn, this is the company's first foray into the English wholesale market. In its last accounts filed with Companies House (to 31 December 2016) UWG recorded annual turnover of £124m, with the majority of sales deriving from customers in the independent retail sector.
Amaan Ramzan, Managing Director, UWG commented:
'At a time of consolidation and change in the sector, we have recognised the need to invest both in our business and the sector as a whole. We like other Landmark members, are firmly focused on identifying opportunities for growth and this deal signifies a clear step forward in our plans for expansion. We have some incredibly exciting plans for the Gateshead depot which we will share in due course, and we look forward to taking over in June.'