IT’S business as usual at the McColl’s shops in the Scottish Borders as staff await news on a potential takeover.
The convenience chain fell into administration on Friday May 6 after a financial struggle over the past two years following soaring costs due to supply chain disruption, inflation and its large debt burden.
Forecourt giant EG whose owners also run supermarket giant Asda had been favourites to complete a rescue deal over the weekend.
But fellow supermarket giants Morrisons are now believed to be favourites to win control of the chain.
Both EG and Morrisons are understood to have tabled late improved offers before the administrators’ Sunday 6pm deadline.
Morrisons’ early approaches had reportedly been rejected by lenders who preferred EG’s offer instantly to repay more than £160 million in debts from McColl’s.
However, it is understood that Morrisons’ successful move will also repay the lenders in cash.
Sky News has today reported that Morrisons is set to triumph following an offer which will protect all of McColl’s workforce.
Morrisons, EG Group and McColl’s have declined to comment.
The McColl's shops in Galashiels, St Boswells, Peebles, Jedburgh and Hawick are all open for business today with one member of staff telling us: “It’s business as usual.”
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