Booker boss claims there are no plans for job losses following Tesco merge

By Nikkie Sutton

- Last updated on GMT

Role change: Booker’s Charles Wilson will be on the Tesco executive committee
Role change: Booker’s Charles Wilson will be on the Tesco executive committee

Related tags Supermarket giant tesco Management

Booker CEO Charles Wilson has stated that following the wholesaler’s merge with supermarket giant Tesco, there are no plans for job cuts.

The combined company revealed the combined savings of the move are expected to be £175m.

He said: “We are seeing some decent procurement opportunities but this is really about growth rather than about head count.

“You can never say never [with job losses] but that is not the plan here.

“The plan is built on growth, better procurement, better distribution and utilisation.”

Improving choice, quality and prices

Wilson explained the merge would greatly benefit foodservice customers through a variety of ways.

He said: “By working with Tesco, this further improves the choice, quality and prices to further deliver those caterers we serve what they really need to compete going forward.

He also said Booker​ customers will be able to use Tesco banking solutions for small businesses meaning users can use quick pay services.

Wilson revealed the difference in the running of the business and his position within the merge.

Keeping a close eye on Booker

He said: “I am lucky that I will be moving on to the Tesco executive committee and on to the main board.

“I will be keeping a very close eye on Booker and all the Booker parts of the business as well as other responsibilities that come with being on the board.”

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), which works to promote competition for the benefit of consumers within and outside of the UK, will be scrutinising the Booker and Tesco deal.

Wilson said: “For us, through the competition process is about remembering we are a wholesaler.

“We will be taking the CMA through it all, we have got some good advisers working on it and they expect we will move through it at a fair rate.”

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