One of Montgomeryshire’s most prominent brand names has been sold after Midcounties Co-operative announced it has bought Harry Tuffins and secured 449 jobs.
The family-owned supermarket and convenience store chain which has headquarters in Churchstoke, and nine further stores in Machynlleth, Knighton, Flintshire, Shropshire and Gloucestershire has been bought by Midcounties Co-operative which says it is “keen to build on the success enjoyed by Harry Tuffins with a key focus on maintaining the strong community associations the independent retailer has built over the past 50 years”.
Midcounties Chief Executive Ben Reid said: “As a member-owned Society with values of democracy, openness, equality and social responsibility, we believe the fairer way we do business is an excellent match with the family ethos the company has long adhered to.
“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.”
Harry Tuffins’ owners, the Delves family, said: “We are confident that in The Midcounties Co-operative we have found someone who shares our values and understands these stores have a special place in the community, and they will continue that tradition.”
Neither companies have divulged the amount it was sold for nor said whether the Harry Tuffins name will remain or change under the new ownership.