October 2022
GCW has acted on behalf of A.S. Watson Group to acquire a new Savers store in Haywards Heath as part of a UK expansion drive. This marks the first deal GCW has opened since being appointed to help the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer build its Savers and Superdrug store portfolio.
Since being appointed retained agent for South of England earlier this year, GCW has been busy helping A.S. Watson acquire new sites for its Savers and Superdrug brands. The team has now acquired a new store at 37 – 39 South Road in Haywards Heath. The former Santander unit has been secured on a 10-year lease for £35,000 pa and 6 months rent free.
The store opened on 12 August and is trading well. GCW will now continue to identify new acquisition opportunities as part of its remit including acquisitions, disposals, and professional advisory work. A.S. Watson has identified the UK as a growth market and plans to open 20 Superdrug and 35 Savers stores across the South of England each year from 2022 as part of an ambitious expansion programme.
GCW Partner, Simon Horner, said: “It’s great to have brought Savers into Haywards Heath and physically see the result of our work in helping expand the brand’s store network. We are renowned for unearthing new opportunities. We are exploring a number of other potential acquisitions across the South of England and our town centre expertise will ensure A.S. Watson delivers on its growth strategy.”