J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) has moved to simplify its property ownership structure via the sale and purchase of a number of stores in two separate deals.
The supermarket retailer has agreed to buy 21 stores in the Highbury and Dragon investment vehicle in which it has held a 49% stake since it was created in 2000.
The vehicle comprises the freeholds of 26 Sainsbury's supermarkets which are leased to Sainsbury's with the remaining c.51% owned by a joint venture between Supermarket Income REIT PLC (LSE:SUPR, OTC:SUPIF) and British Airways Pension Trustees Limited.
Sainsbury’s said this agreement marks a significant step in the process of bringing that structure to an end.
To help fund the deal the food retail giant said it was in talks to sell 18 supermarket stores to LXi REIT for around £500mln on a sale and leaseback basis.
Sainsbury said the deals would not impact financial guidance but there would be a cash timing effect with the proceeds from any LXi REIT deal expected this year with the Highbury and Dragon purchases taking place in the next financial year.