The Co-operative Group has bought 10 former Bells and Jacksons stores from Sainsbury's, adding 17,500 sq ft of selling space.

It plans to invest almost £2.5m in rebranding and refurbishing the stores, which will be converted to its convenience format, with an emphasis on fresh foods, by the autumn.

"This is a significant investment for The Co-operative and continues our ambitious programme of growth to sustain market leadership in the convenience sector," said group chief executive Peter Marks. "We expect to add major value to the businesses."

Sainsbury's bought 178 Jacksons and Bells stores in 2004, but has put 36 of them up for sale, claiming they are unsuitable for conversion to Sainsbury's Local format due to their size and development potential. It is still in negotiations over the sale of the remaining 26 stores.

Meanwhile, the Co-op has also bought a c-store in St Clears, Wales, for an undisclosed sum. It plans to invest £330,000 updating it.

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