Scotmid in talks with Botterills over takeover bid

A firm that owns convenience stores across west central Scotland is in talks with Scotmid Co-op about a takeover.

Botterills is based in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, and employs about 1,000 people across its 51 stores.

They operate under the Spar franchise brand, with most in the central belt, and several in Ayrshire and south west Scotland.

Scotmid is checking Botterills' books while talks continue.

The company - founded by Jim Botterill in 1956 - has had offers before.

Scotmid has 140 convenience food stores and employs more than 4,000 people.

It also owns Semichem's 140 health product stores in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

Five years ago, it took over a similar chain of 50 Morning, Noon & Night stores, built up by Dundee businessman, the late Eddie Thompson.