NATIONWIDE discount convenience grocery brand Heron Foods has appointed Bradford law firm Gordons to handle a UK-wide store acquisition programme.

Melton-based Heron Foods was acquired by leading retailer B&M last August for £152m. B&M has set about rapidly expanding the number of Heron Foods stores and has tasked Gordons with sourcing and securing new sites.

This is the latest high-profile instruction given to the retail specialist firm by B&M chief executive Simon Arora. The retailer has been a Gordons client for the past 15 years and during that time the firm has sourced and secured more than 500 B&M stores, as well as providing advice on various other matters.

B&M chief executive Simon Arora said: “We completely trust Gordons. They are fast, precise and effective in everything they do. Their approach is exactly what we need to drive Heron Foods’ ongoing expansion programme.”

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The firm’s retail sector clients also include AO World, Charles Tyrwhitt, Iceland Foods, Morrisons, Moss Bros, Nisa, The Original Factory Shop, Pavers, Pep & Co and Wren Kitchens.

Gordons managing partner Paul Ayre said: “B&M is an excellent business which constantly evolves and innovates to help its customers spend less when prices are rising. We are proud to have played our part in supporting the company’s rapid growth so far. With Heron Foods, we look forward to continuing to implement our highly successful approach.”

Gordons employs 200 people in total, split evenly between its Leeds and Bradford offices.