Administrators for supermarket chain Kwik Save have sold 56 of the firm's stores for £18 million, which will salvage around 600 jobs.
The outlets will be rebranded as Fresh Express with staff at those outlets being paid in arrears on Tuesday.
The deal is believed to have been backed by Irish retail entrepreneur Brendan Murtagh.
Kwik Save entered administration on Friday and will close 90 shops, making about 1,100 people redundant.
However, those losing their jobs are unlikely to be paid by administrators.
Redundant staff will probably have to apply to the government to receive some of the money they are owed, although they would probably only be able to claim up to £240 a week.
