ONE of Northern Ireland's best known independent grocers - and one of the longest in family ownership - has been sold in a multi-million pound deal.
JC Stewart in Magherafelt has been acquired by DSP Supermarkets after more than 120 years.
The sale has been described as the "end of an era" in the Co Derry town where the shop's roots can be traced to 1894.
Paul Stewart was the fourth generation of his family to run the store but speaking to the Irish News, the 57-year-old said his children were "doing other things and I'm happy with that".
He pointed out the company would remain in "family hands" with new owners the Kelly family who operate eight outlets under the Spar and Vivo brands for the Henderson Group.
The firm's 100 employees will transfer to the new owners.
The Kelly family said they will keep the JC Stewart name and branding.
"It was a very difficult decision (to sell) of course but we think it is a good time," said Mr Stewart.
"We are trading really well and are happy to be handing over a business that is in great shape."
New owner Pearce Kelly said: “We are very excited about this acquisition and with the support of the Henderson Group we look forward to providing a great shopping experience for all our customers”.
Glyn Roberts, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) - of which Mr Stewart was a president - said it was "sad news that Paul Stewart has decided to sell his business and move on".
"JC Stewart is an independent retailer of the first division in terms of choice, quality and customer service," he said.
JC Stewart was first established as The Diamond Tea House by James Craig Stewart.
The original store was fitted out with mahogany counters and brass fittings but was destroyed by fire in the 1960s.
In 1968, it became one of Northern Ireland's first self-service supermarkets.
Earlier this month, it was named the north's best store at the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards.
