SPAR wholesaler buys 30-store chain

SPAR wholesaler for the North of England James Hall & Co has acquired 30-store chain North East Convenience Stores for an undisclosed sum.

James Hall is a Lancashire-based family owned business founded in Southport in 1863 and now serves more than 600 in the North.

The Vadhera brothers, Naveen and Sanjeev, have agreed to a sale of NECS but will remain with NECS as executive management with NECS becoming a subsidiary of the James Hall Group.

Naveen Vadhera, managing director of NECS, said: “We are happy to have sold the business to James Hall & Co who completely understand the aspirations and ethos of NECS.

“We believe the synergies between the two companies will assist NECS as it continues to develop and grow over the next few years.

“Being fit for the future is the challenge for all retail groups at the moment and we believe that with the support and experience of the James Hall team and the strength of the SPAR brand, NECS will be at the forefront of convenience retailing in the years to come.”

Sanjeev Vadhera, financial director of NECS, added: “Both Naveen and I are committed to convenience retailing and we look forward to seeing the NECS business thrive as part of the James Hall family under our continued management.”

Andrew Hall, managing director of James Hall, said: “We are delighted to have acquired such a successful and fast moving business and we welcome Naveen, Sanjeev and the 400 employees of NECS into the James Hall Group.”

North East Convenience Stores was advised by the Newcastle teams of KPMG and Square One Law.

The Manchester office of law firm Shoosmiths acted for James Hall on all corporate and real estate aspects of the transaction.

The corporate team was led by Karen Procter, partner who was assisted by Damien Brown, senior associate and James Skivington, solicitor. Real estate advice was led by Andrew Pattinson, with support from Garry King, senior associate, Helen Poulter, solicitor and Neil Bradley, associate.
 

 

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