South Belfast retailer Creightons has bought a Markethill supermarket from operator Henderson Group for an undisclosed sum.
The purchase of JD Hunter & Co Supermarket expands the three businesses which the Creighton family run under the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands in Finaghy, Blacks Road and Balmoral in the city.
The County Armagh business has been owned and managed by Henderson Group since 2019 and the 145 employees will remain continuously employed under the new ownership and will trade under the JD Hunter name.
Niall Creighton, who owns Creightons along with Gail Boyd, said it was an honour to have the opportunity acquire a family-run business which mirrors his own.
“Expanding the Creightons company name, which has become synonymous with community retailing over the years, has always been our long-term strategy, and we look forward to bringing even more to the community, always keeping locally sourced products and partnerships at the forefront of the business,” he said.
Henderson Group owns the SPAR and EUROSPAR franchise in Northern Ireland. Chief Financial Officer Ron Whitten welcomed the purchase.
“The Creighton family have been highly successful, award-winning independent retailers working with Hendersons for many years,” he said. “We have enjoyed a close working relationship during this time, and welcome the news of this acquisition, which consolidates our partnership even further.
“Since we took over the operation in 2019, we have invested considerably in the business, making it a sound prospect for Creightons to continue with that success. We’re delighted that another family business will take over the reins and continue the ethos which has been built within the local community and its many organisations and partnerships.”
