Rumours have persisted that Asda was to buy the NI stores

It follows reports Asda, the US-owned chain, was believed to be on the verge of signing a deal to take over the 13 former Safeway stores in the province.

These shops are currently owned by the Bradford-based Morrisons group, which acquired Safeway in March last year.

The group said: "It is very much business as usual for Safeway stores in Northern Ireland."

On Friday, a spokesperson for Morrisons said: "Following the recent media speculation, that ASDA is on the verge of purchasing the 13 Safeway stores in Northern Ireland, Morrisons Plc is stating that this information is incorrect."

In a separate statement, Asda said: "This is speculation and we don't comment on market speculation."

However, BBC Northern Ireland business editor James Kerr said he understood the two firms were close to reaching a deal.

Rumours have persisted about a sale to Asda, which is owned by the world's largest retailer, US firm Wal-Mart, and has a reputation for cutting costs and prices.