Andy Monk has become the first Somerfield director to leave the chain ahead of an expected management shake-up when it

officially becomes part of The Co-operative Group next week.

Monk, who was director of distribution operations, has joined Poundland as distribution director. Other Somerfield directors are widely expected to leave the business and The Co-op Group CEO Peter Marks has already admitted Somerfield's Bristol headquarters will close.

The £1.57bn Somerfield acquisition will be finalised early next week.

The Co-op Group will be handed the keys to the 880-store chain after seven months of negotiation with the Office of Fair Trading to resolve local competition concerns, making it the UK's largest convenience store operator and fifth-largest grocery chain after Morrisons.