Asda has launched its programme to convert 116 former Co-op convenience stores and attached petrol station forecourts into Asda Express shops.

The supermarket has rebranded 11 Asda Express stores so far in locations including Yorkshire and Devon.

The grocer plans to convert the remaining 105 by the end of Q1 next year, across sites including Manchester Oxford Road and Romford Station.

Asda acquired 132 sites from rival supermarket Co-op last year under a £438m deal.

The acquisition was approved by the Competition & Markets Authority back in June, after Asda agreed to divest 13 sites to satisfy competition requirements.

The move came under the grocery giant’s long-term strategy to become the UK’s second largest supermarket, by moving into the convenience market.

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The new shops add to three existing stand-alone Asda Express stores based in Sutton Coldfield, London (Tottenham Hale) and Calne.

Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa said: “We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months”.

According to the supermarket, average grocery prices in the new Asda Express stores will be nearly 9% cheaper than those at the Co-op.

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