Irish retail group Musgrave has reportedly entered into negotiations over the sale of 75 Budgens supermarkets in the UK. A further 5 Budgens stores will be retained by Musgrave, as well as its Londis franchise. Musgrave's UK operations had a turnover of €1.4bn in 2005, and the company is pursuing a franchise structure whereby it will end outright ownership on all its shops. The disposal is expected to be complete by 2008, and Musgrave will continue to supply goods to the new owners.