Retailers queue up for Safeway stores

Morrisons is understood to be preparing to sell 140 of Safeway's smaller convenience stores for approximately £250 million.

These stores are not included in the 70 that Morrisons is obliged to sell under the terms laid down by the Competition Commission.

It is believed that Morrisons has received a number of approaches from retailers keen to buy the smaller Safeway stores. Somerfield, Big Food Group, Netto and Aldi have all reportedly shown interest.

Morrisons is known to have little interest in outlets of 15,000 square feet or less.