The Co-operative Group has appointed Derek Matkin to the newly-created post of business acquisitions manager for Northern and North Wales.
It's the first such appointment to be made by David Turner, who took up the new role of head of acquisitions in January, charged with spearheading the Group's acquisition strategy for convenience stores and supermarkets.
Turner is looking to make similar appointments to cover the rest of the country, signalling the Group's determination to pursue growth through acquisitions, a cornerstone of its successful food retailing strategy.
Mr Matkin, who was previously acquisitions manager for United Co-operatives, is looking to build on his established relationships with the leading business transfer agents in the North West and within the multiple independent sectors.
Last year the Co-operative Group consolidated its position as the UK's leading convenience store operator with the purchase of the Balfours chain, nine months after its high-profile acquisition of Alldays.
Over the last four years the Group's retail business has grown significantly - it now boasts 1,800 food stores - and its retail strategy has been to move out of superstores into market town and Welcome convenience stores.
Turner commented: "Derek Matkin has extensive experience in this region and a thorough knowledge of the food retail market place.He will be an asset to the acquisitions team, which I am looking to expand in order to deliver growth through acquisitions."
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