Midcounties Co-operative has acquired grocery chain Harry Tuffin’s.

The 470-store co-operative, based in Warwickshire, has bought the Welsh chain’s 10 stores, saving 449 jobs in the process.

The society will purchase the business which has sites in Powys, Flintshire, Shropshire and Gloucestershire, to grow its estate within its trading heartland.

Midcounties chief executive Ben Reid said: “As a member-owned Society with values of democracy, openness, equality and social responsibility, we believe the fairer way we do business is an excellent match with the family ethos the company has long adhered to.”

Reid said Midcounties plans to “significantly invest” in the estate.

A spokesman for Harry Tuffins’ owners the Delves family said: “We are confident that in The Midcounties Co-operative we have found someone who shares our values and understands these stores have a special place in the community, and they will continue that tradition.”