Londis (United Kingdom)
Logo used since 2009 | |
A Londis store in Chatham Waters, Kent | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1959 |
Number of locations | 1,833 (2024) |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Groceries |
| Parent | Tesco[1] (via Booker Group[2]) |
| Website | londis |
Londis is a British chain of convenience stores operating as a symbol group in the United Kingdom with over 2,400 stores nationwide.[3] Founded in 1959, the brand serves as a voluntary wholesaler and chain for independent retailers. Since 2018, it has been a subsidiary of Tesco PLC following the acquisition of its parent company, Booker Group. Although it was formerly a subsidiary, the Londis brand in Ireland is no longer related to Londis (UK).
History
The name Londis is taken from “London District Stores”, combining parts of “London” and “district” into a shorter, more convenient form.[4]
Foundation
The brand was founded in 1959 by Kevin Stanley-Adams and John Leach[5] as a communally owned company, with each retailer owning a share in the parent company.[6]
Acquisition by Musgrave Group
In June 2004, the parent company was sold to the Irish Musgrave wholesale chain with a payment of £31,000 being made to each retailer who owned a stake,[7] bringing it under the same ownership as Budgens, which has now adopted a similar franchise based business model. This acquisition proved controversial,[8][9] with the CEO of Musgrave in the United Kingdom, Eoin McGettigan, steering through the choppy waters of member revolts and counter offers from others backed by Icelandic banks.[10] A separate, but wholly owned subsidiary company, Musgrave Retail Partners GB Ltd. was formed to supply the stores, until it was sold to Booker Group in 2015.[11] In May 2015, Londis' parent company Musgrave Group confirmed it had reached an agreement to sell Budgens and Londis for £40 million to the wholesaler Booker Group, subject to regulatory approval.[2]
Acquisition by Booker Group
Since May 2015, the company has been owned by Booker Group, which purchased Londis and its sister company Budgens from the Musgrave Group for £40 million.
Tesco plc acquired Booker Group in 2018.[1]
Operations
The current Londis retailer network is in excess of 2,200 stores and forecourt shops located throughout England, Scotland, Wales [10] and the Republic of Ireland.
Controversies
In the early 2000s, tensions arose between Londis and its member retailers when the company was still operating as a retailer-owned co-operative. During this period, some shopkeepers criticised the conduct of senior management in relation to takeover negotiations, alleging that directors stood to benefit disproportionately.[12] Londis has also faced criticism from some independent store owners over supply and purchasing requirements. Changes to minimum order levels and spending thresholds were reported to place financial strain on smaller retailers, particularly those in rural areas, raising concerns that such policies could contribute to store closures.[13]
References
- ^ a b "Tesco and Booker merger". 29 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Booker Group to buy Budgens and Londis". BBC News. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- ^ Competition & Markets Authority (14 November 2017). "Competition from symbol groups and independents". Anticipated acquisition by Tesco PLC of Booker Group plc: Provisional findings report (2017). p. 64.
- ^ Articles, Reassigned (18 January 2011). "What's in a name? - Shelflife Magazine". Shelflife Magazine. Archived from the original on 15 September 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Boulton, Merril. "Londis plans a year of activity as it celebrates turning 60". Forecourt Trader. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Cornered shops: Is Tesco becoming too powerful? Vote in our poll". www.shropshirestar.com. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Muspratt, Caroline (23 June 2004). "Londis retailers back Musgrave's windfall takeover". Telegraph. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
- ^ Pratley, Nils (19 January 2004). "Trouble in store". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ "Anger over Londis directors' payout". Manchester Evening News. 12 August 2004. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ "Londis deal sees shopkeepers ring up £30,000 each". The Guardian. 23 June 2004. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ "Booker Group completes £40m acquisition of Londis and Budgens". Retail Week. 14 September 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
- ^ "'Judas' claim as members turn on Londis directors". The Independent. 21 December 2003. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Londis demand 'could force closure of small rural stores'". The Independent. 25 January 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2026.