Shock takeover deal for Harry Tuffins

Supermarket chain Harry Tuffins today changed hands in a shock deal.

The Midcounties Co-operative is taking control of the company, which has its headquarters at Churchstoke.

It has stores in Craven Arms, Bishop's Castle, Ludlow, Knighton and Cleobury Mortimer.

Bosses said the jobs of all 449 staff were secure, and the Harry Tuffin name was expected to be retained.

In a statement today, Midcounties said it was keen to build on the success enjoyed by the family-run firm with a focus on community links.

Chief executive Ben Reid said: "We have plans to significantly invest in the estate but customers and our new colleagues can rest assured we fully appreciate how much this unique group of stores are cherished by their local communities."

A statement from the Delves family, which owns Tuffins, said: "We are confident that in The Midcounties Co-operative we have found someone who shares our values."

Midcounties has 470 stores and employs 8,500.