Morrisons sets timetable for Safeway merger

Morrisons has laid down a six-week timetable for the completition of its deal to buy Safeway.

However, it will find itself virtually bereft of assistance from Safeway directors in the integration of the businesses. Safeway group operations director Lawrence Christensen and marketing and trading director Jack Sinclair had been expected to stay at the merged grocer, but both will in fact leave.

Christensen will work until his contract expires on June 18, and Sinclair will exit with the rest of the board on March 8, when share dealings in the enlarged business begin.

The shortage of board-level assistance may make the practicalities of merging the two chains more difficult.