Fjarðarkaup buyer wanted store emptied and staff dismissed

An investment company that considered buying Fjarðarkaup wanted the Hafnarfjörður store cleared and all staff dismissed, mbl.is reports.

Gísli Sigurbergsson, the store’s managing director and one of its owners, said in an interview with Dagmál that several parties had shown interest in buying the family business, which has operated in Hafnarfjörður for 53 years. When the four siblings began a formal sales process, one investor proposed buying the building but not continuing the store’s operations.

“They just wanted the building handed over empty,” Gísli said. “We were supposed to dismiss everyone, clear it out and hold a sale.” The siblings were not interested in the proposal, and no deal was reached.

Samkaup, a subsidiary of Drangar, has now agreed to buy Fjarðarkaup’s retail business. Real estate company Kaldalón is buying the building. The deals are subject to approval by the Competition Authority.

Samkaup plans to keep the store open and expand its services, including with a Lyfjaval pharmacy, a Brauð & Co bakery and a Kjötkompaní store.

Gísli said the sellers did not set any conditions requiring the store to continue operating in the building. “They can do whatever they want. But of course, we want them to carry on the Fjarðarkaup name,” he said, adding that the family no longer has control over the store’s future.