Midlothian MP questions Tesco on rumoured Dobbies sale

Tuesday April 26th 2016

Dobbies Garden Centre Lasswade

Owen Thompson, SNP MP for Midlothian, yesterday wrote to Dave Lewis and Alan Stewart, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Tesco, to query Tesco’s intentions regarding a rumoured sale of Dobbies Garden Centres to Wyevale Garden Centre and to remind Tesco of Dobbies’ importance to Midlothian and Scotland.

In his letter, Mr Thompson expressed concern that such a sale would likely lead to the closure of the Dobbies head office in Lasswade, with the loss of up to 180 jobs, and pointed out that Dobbies had been based in Scotland since its formation in 1865. He asked Tesco to continue their good stewardship of Dobbies (which it originally acquired in 2008) by ensuring that these concerns were taken into consideration as part of any sale.

Commenting, Owen Thompson MP said:

“The recent rumours about Dobbies and a potential sale have been troubling, and a matter of concern to my constituents and to me. I understand that Tesco has been clear on its plans to focus on its core supermarket business, however I would appeal to them to give any purchase offer due consideration before accepting.

“It is the nature of acquisitions that Wyevale will consider rationalising the two businesses and minimising duplication of offices, which would likely result in choose their existing Middlesex office as their base. The loss of almost 200 more jobs would be yet another blow to my constituents at a time when they can least afford it.

“I look forward to hearing from Mr Lewis and Mr Stewart, and hope that their response will give reassurance to the people of Midlothian on the future of Dobbies.”

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