Scottish wholesaler and retailer CJ Lang is to aggressively expand its Spar business by recruiting more members and has a "war chest" for acquisitions, but it will no longer be looking to grow its VG membership.
At Spar Scotland's trade show in Fife, CJ Lang MD designate Ed Ferguson revealed the group had set up a new acquisitions department to achieve its target of 100 company-owned stores and 500 independents over the next two years.
Ferguson said the move meant CJ Lang was "over-resourced" but better placed to act on any fall-out from the Co-operative Group/Alldays takeover. He added that the march of the multiples into convenience "sharpens the focus" and that the group was always "looking for good sites".
CJ Lang revived its VG fascia last year as an entry level symbol, but will no longer invest in developing its 16 VG stores. It will discuss with retailers whether they will convert to the Spar fascia or remain as VG.

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