Martin McColl has found buyers for half of the stores it is selling, said property agent Christie & Co.

The c-store and CTN chain slapped a 'for sale' sign on 63 of its 1,300 stores earlier this year as they did not fit the company's future strategy.

"We are pleased with the initial uptake," said Christie & Co director Allen Shepherd, dismissing concerns the retailer was struggling to sell the stores. "Sales are going well."

Martin McColl was re-evaluating its estate following its rebranding in 2006 and acquisitions of c-store chain Smile Stores last September and a number of Bells and Jacksons stores from Sainsbury's last month, he said.