135-year-old family-run convenience stores in Sunderland sold to experienced retailer

Located just a few miles apart, the stores are both situated on busy high streets in residential areas of Sunderland. They are well-established in their local communities, with the Villette Road store (Hendon) also offering post office services. The Pallion store was previously located down the road, moving to its current site in 1990. Both sites offer the potential for further development and modernisation under new ownership.

The stores have been sold as the owner Mr Jones wishes to retire, and hand the reins of the 135-year-old business over to a new owner who will continue operating them as convenience shops.

The business has been acquired by Mr Senthil Duraisamy and Mrs Vishnupriya Duraisamy, who are experienced convenience store retailers from the North East. Delighted to get the chance to expand and take on the challenge of modernising these stores, Mr Duraisamy commented: “We are planning to refit the shops and introduce local produce for customers. We are looking forward to working with the team and we are happy to be retaining all staff members who are the heart of the business.”

The vendor, Mr Jones, comments: “This has been an emotional time to sell and was a huge decision to do so.  Andy has advised us on matters over a number of years.  He knows everybody in the convenience store world and I knew he would have some buyers without having to go to the open market.  He always kept in touch with updates, chased people where required and explained matters clearly along the way.  I would recommend Christie & Co for selling businesses any day.”

Andrew Birnie, Director at Christie & Co who managed the sale, said: “I am delighted to have completed on the sale of these stores on behalf of Mr Jones. This was an off-market confidential sale process, where we approached a carefully selected list of operators who we felt would be a good fit for the stores. Our plan was to sell both shops as a pair, which we succeeded in doing, and I look forward to seeing the sites flourish under the ownership of Mr Duraisamy.”

The stores were sold at an undisclosed price.

For further information on this press release, contact:
Lydia Stewart, Junior Corporate Communications Executive
E: Lydia.Stewart@christie.com or P: +447712198994

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