LONDON – The Financial Times reports that J Sainsbury is expected to make a formal offer to acquire North Lincolnshire, U.K., convenience store operator Nisa for £130m, “as the country’s largest supermarket chains continue to target the convenience sector.”

Nisa has received interest from potential buyers following Tesco’s recent acquisition of Booker, which operates the Londis and Budgens retail chains.

The news source writes that Nisa “has long been considered to be a takeover target in a tough market for traditional convenience stores,” noting that large supermarket chains have expanded into smaller retail formats.

Founded in 1977, Nisa is unique in the U.K. convenience sector because it is a “mutual style company,” meaning it is owned by its independent retail members. Nisa’s retail strategy is based on delivering benefits for independent retailers that help them grow their business in an increasingly competitive market.