Marks & Spencer is understood to have expressed an interest in acquiring some Somerfield shops.
A source close to Somerfield said that M&S had asked for information after investment bank Citi began an auction. It is thought that M&S would only want selected stores, to expand its Simply Food business.
However, the source also revealed that all four big grocers – Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – have shown interest in Somerfield’s store portfolio. It would be surprising if Tesco was able to bid for many stores because of competition concerns.
Morrisons chief executive Marc Bolland ruled out a bid for the entire Somerfield chain, but said he would consider acquiring some stores.
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