Sainsbury’s hopes to head off a possible rebellion over its acquisition of Nisa by enabling member shopkeepers to retain their independence after the deal.
Sainsbury’s interest in Nisa, which mirrors Tesco’s planned takeover of Booker, has angered some Nisa members who want it to retain its mutual status.
But Sainsbury’s will give members staggered payments over three years if they remain with Nisa, The Telegraph reported.
Members will have a choice of remaining fully independent and stock an improved range of own-brand food products, or the option to stock Sainsbury’s own-brand if they meet the requisite store standards.
Nisa members, who own its shares and must sanction any deal, have previously blocked two takeover attempts from Costcutter.
However, since then the convenience market has changed significantly as competition has increased.
Paul Cheema, who owns Nisa outlets in Coventry and Birmingham, told The Telegraph that “with developments in our sector there needs to be more consolidation to maintain a competitive edge”.
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