Waitrose is expanding its presence to the Channel Islands after buying five supermarkets from Sandpiper.

Three of the supermarkets are in Jersey and two in Guernsey .  The shops will be changed to Waitrose stores in a phased programme early next year, subject to approval.

The grocer has already built a presence in the Channel Islands by supplying Sandpiper stores with over 3,000 own label Waitrose products.

The shops will be operated by Sandpiper under licence following completion of the deal.

Waitrose managing director Mark Price said: “People in the Channel Islands have been telling us for years that they want a Waitrose. Our supply relationship with Sandpiper CI shows there’s strong demand for Waitrose quality food and I’m delighted that we will now be able to bring the full Waitrose offer to the Channel Islands.

“The move is part of our strategy to make the Waitrose brand accessible to more people in more places and builds on our recent acquisitions from the Co-op and Woolworths, as well as our strategic partnerships with Welcome Break and Boots.”

Sandpiper was advised on the deal by corporate finance boutique McQueen.

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