Tesco and Ryman eye Post Office branches

Tesco and Ryman are among several parties interested in acquiring some of the 108 directly owned Post Office branches up for sale.

The Post Office said on Tuesday (8 March) it will offload the last branches it operates itself and move towards a fully franchised network, BBC News reported.

Ryman currently operates seven Post Offices and another two branches are planned for this year. It was first reported in February that Tesco had expressed an interest in taking over 108 Crown Post Offices.

A spokesperson for Ryman told Retail Gazette: “As a trusted partner of more than 30 years, Ryman will continue to collaborate with the Post Office where it makes commercial sense for both parties.”

Around 200 Post Offices transferred owners at the end of last month when WHSmith announced it had sold its high street business to private equity firm Modella Capital.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) called for the government to intervene immediately and examine alternative options.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “The Post Office’s claim that these community services will be maintained by their failed franchising model is laughable to anyone who has seen their local Post Office services reduced to the back of a shop.

“The sell-off of WH Smith last week shows just how fragile and ill-thought out this model is. This is the full privatisation of the Post Office via the back door.”

Tesco has been contacted for comment.

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