Business

Creightons expands retail network with acquisition of Markethill supermarket

Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd, who own Creightons EuroSpar in Finaghy, Creightons EuroSpar in Balmoral and Creightons Spar on Blacks Road
Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd, who own Creightons EuroSpar in Finaghy, Creightons EuroSpar in Balmoral and Creightons Spar on Blacks Road Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd, who own Creightons EuroSpar in Finaghy, Creightons EuroSpar in Balmoral and Creightons Spar on Blacks Road

SOUTH Belfast retailer and family-run business Creightons is expanding its network with the acquisition for an undisclosed sum of JD Hunter & Co in Markethill.

Owned and managed by the Henderson Group since 2019, JD Hunter employs 145 people, who will all remain in continuous employment when the new ownership takes effect on August 15.

The Creighton family, which has been trading in Belfast since 1936, operates three well known independent businesses under the Spar and EuroSpar brands at Finaghy, Balmoral and Blacks Road.

Ron Whitten, chief financial officer at Henderson Group, said: “The Creighton family have been highly successful, award-winning independent retailers working with Hendersons for many years.

“We've enjoyed a close working relationship during this time, and welcome the news of this acquisition, which consolidates our partnership even further.

“Since we took over the JD Hunter operation in 2019, we have invested considerably in the business, making it a sound prospect for Creightons to continue with that success.

“We’re delighted that another family business will take over the reins and continue the ethos which has been built within the local community and its many organisations and partnerships.”

Niall Creighton added: “We're honoured to take over a store that has been family-run since the early 1900s, which mirrors our own family business, which was established by my father 86 years ago.

“Expanding the Creightons company name, which has become synonymous with community retailing over the years, has always been our long-term strategy, and we look forward to bringing even more to the community, always keeping locally sourced products and partnerships at the forefront of the business.”