'NO PLANS FOR TESCO TAKEOVER'

THE owner of Woodsides SuperValu in Ballyclare has rubbished speculation that he is in talks with the UK's biggest retailer about a possible takeover of the town centre store.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Aug 2010, 13:48 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2010, 12:55 BST

Rumours are rife in the town that Tesco, following its failed bid to secure planning permission for an edge of town superstore development at Hillhead Road, is keen to purchase the Woodsides site at Granges Street.

Speaking to the Times this week, the owner of Woodsides, Niall McConkey, denied that any discussions have taken place about a potential takeover bid.

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"I've heard that I'm supposed to be in talks with Tesco, Asda and Spar, but no-one is talking to me. I'm not sure where these rumours come from. My plan is to keep trading in Ballyclare and I'm not talking to anyone about the site at the minute," he said.

A spokesman for Tesco said they "couldn't make any comment on speculation", but it is understood that the company is unlikely to be interested in the town centre location due to the relatively small size of the site.

Meanwhile, the Times has learnt that around 15 jobs could be under threat at Woodsides if a proposed move to close the drapery department at the store goes ahead.

Read the full story in this week's Times...

Related topics:TescoBallyclare