Asda is planning to buy some stores from Woolworths, it has been claimed, although chief executive Andy Bond refused to confirm the speculation.
Daily Telegraph editor-at-large Jeff Randall said the shops offer Asda “the opportunity” it had been looking for over the last few years.
Bond told Randall’s Sky News programme that the company is looking to expand further, but added: “I obviously wouldn’t comment on particular speculation about Woolworths.”
Randall said: “I know Asda is to buy Woolworths’ stores. It has been trying to expand in the UK for years but always runs up against planning problems.”
Discount retailers are also interested in the struggling retailer.
Lidl PR and marketing manager Marco Ivone said: “We are looking at some stores on an individual basis.”
Yesterday, it emerged that Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Theo Paphitis wants to purchase some Woolworths’ stores.
The company went into administration last week, putting 25,000 jobs at risk.
