SAINSBURY’S has been axed from the new service station in Pinvin ahead of its grand opening. 

Eagle-eyed residents, many of whom are looking forward to having access to Greggs and Starbucks on the go, spotted new Asda signs being put up in place of Sainsbury’s.

The reason behind the change is the acquirement of a majority shareholding in Asda by the Issa brothers, the founders of EG Group which owns and will operate the site from Friday, March 12. 

EG's Ian Evans said: "Pinvin will be the first new-to-industry store that will be branded as Asda On The Move, trading Shell fuel.
"The site will also be trading Greggs and Cinnabon, along with Starbucks on the Go. The official opening will be on March 12."

Four classic Rolls Royce cars have been drafted in for the launch from 9am on the day. 

The site is almost ready to roll with indoor fixtures and fittings carrying the Sainsbury's brand being replaced. 

Regarding the Asda switch, a statement from EG: “On October 2, 2020, it was announced that the shareholders in EG Group, the Issa brothers and TDR Capital LLP, had reached an agreement to acquire a majority ownership stake in Asda Group Limited.

“EG Group is pleased to announce it has agreed to acquire certain assets of Asda, comprising its petrol filling stations, car washes and ancillary land for a headline enterprise value of £750m.”

Zuber Issa CBE and Mohsin Issa CBE, co-founders and co-CEOs of EG Group, said in a joint statement: “We are excited to have the opportunity to further strengthen our network in the UK through the proposed acquisition of Asda’s forecourt business, which will enhance our position as a major independent forecourt operator and provide a platform for future growth of the combined network.”