Tesco revealed today it was cutting 50 jobs at its Fresh & Easy business in the United States, as it prepares for a likely exit from the country, after discouter Aldi was touted as a possible buyer for some of its stores.

The move, which comes with the operation up for sale or closure in an ongoing review by Tesco, follows a similar headcount reduction last July.
 
Reports from the States also claim Aldi is due to enter the Californian market in 2013 and could be poised to bid for some of the Fresh & Easy estate.

US discounter Dollar General has also been named as a potential buyer for some of the stores.

“We have cut a small number of positions in the head office as we continue the strategic review of the business,” said a spokesman for Tesco.

“All our stores remain open and it is business as usual for customers and store employees.”

Tesco is due to release the results of its review in April, with CEO Philip Clarke having said a pullout is on the cards, despite its £1bn investment.