Editing Morrisons (section)

==History==
[[File:Morrisons, Scunthorpe (geograph 289364).jpg|thumb|Morrisons, Lakeside, Ashby, [[North Lincolnshire]]]]
===Founding===
The company was founded in June 1899 by William Morrison, who started the business as an egg and butter merchant in Rawson Market, [[Bradford]], England, operating under the name of ''Wm Morrison Limited''.<ref name="student">{{cite web|url=http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/bus_studies/13/company_info_unit_two/student_pack_morrisons.pdf|title=Welcome To Morrisons|access-date=12 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927183610/http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/bus_studies/13/company_info_unit_two/student_pack_morrisons.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref>

His son [[Ken Morrison]] took over the company in 1952, aged 21. In 1958, Morrisons opened a small shop in the city centre.<ref name="student"/> It was the first self-service store in Bradford, the first store to have prices on its products, and it had three checkouts. The company opened its first [[supermarket]], "Victoria", in the Girlington district of Bradford in 1961.<ref name="student"/>

In 1967, Morrisons became a [[public limited company]] listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]].<ref name="student"/>

===Safeway===
[[File:Morrisons, Kilmarnock.jpg|thumb|right|Morrisons expansion into Scotland following acquisition of Safeway led to the first Scottish store opening in [[Kilmarnock]] in 2004]]

In March 2004, Morrisons acquired [[Safeway (UK)|Safeway]], a British supermarket chain which owned 479 stores, giving Morrisons a larger presence in southern England.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3542291.stm|title=Morrisons seals Safeway takeover|work=BBC News|date=8 March 2004|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> The company was purchased for £3.3&nbsp;billion, comprising 1 new Morrisons share (enabling Safeway shareholders to have a 50% stake in the enlarged group and reducing the Morrison family's shareholding to 18%), plus 60 pence in cash (paid for by the divestment of 52 overlapping stores) for each Safeway share held. The acquisition quickly ran into difficulties caused in part by changing the accounting systems six weeks before the transaction was completed,<ref>{{cite news|first1=Sarah|last1=Ryle|first2=Richard|last2=Wachman|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/mar/20/supermarkets.theobserver|title=Morrisons faces investor revolt|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=20 March 2005|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> leading to a series of profit warnings being issued by Morrisons, poor financial results<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4359208.stm|title=Morrisons plunge deep into the red|work=BBC News|date=20 October 2005|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> and a reversion to manual systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2141248/morrisons-faces-strike-action|title=Morrisons face strike action over supply chain IT|date=17 August 2005 |publisher=Computing.co.uk|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref>

The programme of store conversions from Safeway to Morrisons was the largest of its kind in British retail history, focusing initially on the retained stores which were [[Freehold (real property)|freehold]], over {{convert|25000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} with separate car parks. Within a few weeks, Safeway carrier bags were replaced by those of Morrisons, and Morrisons own-brand products began to appear in Safeway stores.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20030112/ai_n9626929|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013074443/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20030112/ai_n9626929/|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 October 2010|title=Safeway glamour gives way to Yorkshire Bitter|via=Find Articles|date=12 January 2003|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref>

Originally 52 shops were to be compulsorily divested after the takeover. Two closed for other reasons, [[John Lewis Partnership]] purchased 19 to be part of its [[Waitrose]] chain,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3566925.stm|title=Waitrose snaps up Safeway stores|work=BBC News|date=25 March 2004|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> [[J Sainsbury plc]] purchased a further 14,<ref>{{cite news|first=Julia|last=Finch|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2004/may/15/supermarkets|title=Struggling Sainsburys buy Safeway stores|work=The Guardian|location=UK|date=15 May 2004|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> and Tesco bought 10 in October 2004.<ref name="UK Business Park">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/mos92303.htm|title=UK Business Park|publisher=UK Business Park|access-date=12 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928044738/http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/mos92303.htm|archive-date=28 September 2011}}</ref> At the time Morrisons chose not to move into the convenience store sector, although it later did so with its [[#Convenience stores|M Local]] stores. In accordance with this policy decision, 114 smaller 'Safeway Compact' stores were sold to rival supermarket chain [[Somerfield]] in 2004 in a two-part deal worth £260.2&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3950219.stm|title=Morrisons sells 114 Safeway shops|work=BBC News|date=25 October 2004|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref>

In 2004, the first Morrisons store in Scotland was officially opened in [[Kilmarnock]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=PLC |first1=Morrisons |title=Company History - Morrisons Corporate |url=https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/about-us/company-history/ |website=Morrisons |access-date=10 January 2025}}</ref> In [[Northern Ireland]] Morrisons sold the [[Safeway Stores (Ireland)|Safeway stores]], and a store in [[Bangor, County Down|Bangor]] that opened after the Morrisons takeover, to Asda.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Tran|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/jun/06/supermarkets.asda|title=Asda moves into Northern Ireland|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=6 June 2005|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> Waitrose purchased five stores in 2005,<ref>{{cite news|first=Simon|last=Bowers|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/aug/12/supermarkets|title=Waitrose adds 5 more stores to its empire|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=12 August 2005|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> followed by six more on 18 July 2006, including the former Safeway store in [[Hexham]], Northumberland, which became England's most northerly Waitrose branch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060718/ai_n16538251|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920114625/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060718/ai_n16538251|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 September 2008|title=Waitrose buys stores from rival Wm Morrisons|newspaper=The Independent|date=18 July 2006}}</ref> In May 2005, Morrisons announced the closure of Safeway and [[BP]] joint venture convenience store/petrol station. Under the deal, the premises had been split 50/50 between the two companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/bpaaaaaa.htm|title=UK Business Park|publisher=UK Business Park|access-date=12 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928044801/http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/bpaaaaaa.htm|archive-date=28 September 2011}}</ref>

Morrisons also sold Safeway's [[Channel Islands]] stores, in [[Guernsey]] and [[Jersey]], to [[Sandpiper CI|CI Traders]] where the stores continued to trade as [[Safeway (Channel Islands)|Safeway]], although the products they sold carried the brand names of chains such as [[Iceland (supermarket)|Iceland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisjersey.com/2005/04/30/ci-traders-buy-safeway/|title=CI Traders buy Safeway|publisher=Thisisjersey.com|date=30 April 2005|access-date=12 March 2011|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524055034/http://www.thisisjersey.com/2005/04/30/ci-traders-buy-safeway/|archive-date=24 May 2011}}</ref> In 2011, Sandpiper CI/CI Traders sold the Channel Island Safeway stores to Waitrose, and the Safeway brand disappeared from the Channel Islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandpiperci.com/news/sandpiperci-to-sell-its-checkers-and-safeway-supermarkets-to-waitrose|title=SandpiperCI to sell its Checkers and Safeway supermarkets to Waitrose|publisher=sandpiperci.com|access-date=20 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121060028/http://www.sandpiperci.com/news/sandpiperci-to-sell-its-checkers-and-safeway-supermarkets-to-waitrose|archive-date=21 January 2015}}</ref> On the [[Isle of Man]], the Douglas store was sold to [[Shoprite (Isle of Man)|Shoprite]] and the Ramsey store was sold to [[The Co-operative Food]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160104181203/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5245/is_200504/ai_n19849386 Morrisons pull out of Isle of Man]</ref> The Gibraltar store was originally offered for sale, but was ultimately converted. In November 2006, plans were submitted for the extension and redevelopment of the store to introduce the full Morrisons format.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://friendsofgibraltar.org.uk/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327122401/http://www.foghs.org.uk/nl/78.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Friends of Gibraltar – Bringing Gibraltar's Friends Together!|archive-date=27 March 2009}}</ref>
[[File:MorrisonsConsett.jpg|thumb|Former Safeway store in Consett, County Durham. Since replaced with a new-build store in November 2012]]
In September 2005, the company announced the closure of former Safeway depots in Kent, Bristol and Warrington with the loss of 2,500 jobs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4249872.stm|title=Morrisons staff announce walkout|work=BBC News|date=15 September 2005|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> The Kent depot was later sold to upmarket rival Waitrose, and the Warrington one to frozen food rival Iceland. Part of the Bristol depot was sold to Gist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dematic.co.uk/presse/_admin/press_uk/DEMUK070201/DEMUK070201_EN.pdf?PHPSESSID=a9afdfd7b88a6fde761356c646dae218|title=Dematic|publisher=Dematic|access-date=12 March 2011}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
The store conversion process was completed on 24 November 2005 when the final Safeway fascia disappeared from the UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4463882.stm|title=Safeway disappears after 43 years|work=BBC News|date=23 November 2005|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref>

===Morrison family step down===
Following the acquisition of Safeway, Morrisons encountered a number of difficulties. The company had issued five profits warnings since the acquisition, and it was felt that Morrisons' "northern" format did not work as well in the south. To reinvigorate its new national image, Morrisons appointed Dutchman [[Marc Bolland]], the chief operating officer of [[Heineken N.V.|Heineken]], as its new Chief Executive.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2940604/Bolland-named-in-Morrisons-lead-role.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2940604/Bolland-named-in-Morrisons-lead-role.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Bolland named in Morrisons lead role|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=8 June 2006|access-date=20 March 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On 13 March 2008, Sir Ken Morrison retired as chairman after 55 years at the company, and was made Honorary President.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/Corporate-news/Retirement-of-Sir-Ken-Morrison/|title=Retirement of Sir Ken Morrison|access-date=22 February 2014|first=James|last=Hall|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727034228/http://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/Corporate-news/Retirement-of-Sir-Ken-Morrison/|archive-date=27 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Expansion and partnerships===
When the [[Co-operative Group]] completed its takeover of the Somerfield supermarket chain in March 2009, it was required to sell a number of stores by the [[Competition Commission]]. Morrisons purchased 35 stores from the combined group, mostly trading under the Somerfield name.<ref>{{cite news|first=Julia|last=Finch|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/dec/04/morrisons-co-op-somerfield-mergers|title=Morrisons plans to buy 35 stores from the Co-op|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=4 December 2008|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref> These new stores were the first of more than 100 identified by Morrisons for expansion into smaller supermarkets, with the aim of having a store within 15 minutes of every UK home.<ref>{{cite news|first=Zoe|last=Wood|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/mar/13/morrisons-expansion-plans|title=Morrisons heads for the high street after chain's profits and sales soar|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=13 March 2009|access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref>
[[File:New Morrisons Supermarket (before first opening), High Street, Saltney, Flintshire - DSC08079.JPG|thumb|Morrisons supermarket, High Street, [[Saltney]], Flintshire]]
[[File:Produce department, Morrisons Wetherby (14th June 2019).jpg|thumb|right|Produce department, Morrisons, [[Wetherby]], West Yorkshire.]]
Marc Bolland departed to become the CEO of [[Marks & Spencer]] in December 2009, and [[Dalton Philips]] was appointed as his replacement in January 2010.<ref name=BBC8483863>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8483863.stm|title=Morrisons names Dalton Philips as new chief executive|work=BBC News|date=28 January 2010|access-date=28 January 2010}}</ref>

In 2010, Morrisons signed a deal with budget retailer [[Peacocks (clothing)|Peacocks]], the first concession store opened as part of a refurbishment at the retailer's store in Idle, Bradford.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/morrisons_signs_deal_to_let_peacocks_display_1_2573596|title=Morrisons signs deal to let Peacocks display|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|date=9 May 2010|access-date=22 April 2011}}</ref> The Peacocks section was rolled out into other stores before launching its own children's-wear brand 'Nutmeg' into 85 stores on 21 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deeset.co.uk/news/nutmeg-launches-85-morrisons-stores|title=Nutmeg Launches in 85 Morrisons stores|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727033053/http://www.deeset.co.uk/news/nutmeg-launches-85-morrisons-stores|archive-date=27 July 2014}}</ref>

The first Morrisons&nbsp;M local store opened in [[Ilkley]], Yorkshire, in 2011. All M Local stores were later rebranded as the short-lived "[[My Local]]" chain in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jul/08/morrisons-convenience-stores-supermarkets-prices|title=Morrisons challenges rivals with price promise at its new convenience stores|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=8 July 2008|access-date=20 March 2015}}</ref>

In December 2012, a television advertising campaign which showed a dog being given pieces of [[Christmas pudding]] was criticised by the [[British Veterinary Association]] and the [[The Kennel Club|Kennel Club]], as raisins are harmful to dogs. Morrisons said that veterinarian advice they received said that there would be minimal risk.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9730365/Morrisons-faces-criticism-over-dog-feeding-Christmas-ad.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9730365/Morrisons-faces-criticism-over-dog-feeding-Christmas-ad.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Morrisons faces criticism over 'dog-feeding' Christmas ad|date=7 December 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=20 March 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In May 2013, Morrisons formed a partnership with [[Ocado]] to use its technology systems and distribution infrastructure to help launch its own online service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22564676|title=Morrisons to offer online shopping in Ocado deal|date=17 May 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=20 March 2015}}</ref>

===Restructuring===
Richard Pennycook, who had joined Morrisons in October 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.morrisons.co.uk/Corporate/About-us/Board-members-biographies/|title=Morrison's board members|access-date=17 December 2012}}</ref> was replaced as Chief Financial Officer at Morrisons in June 2013 by Trevor Strain, previously Finance Director Corporate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfo-insight.com/human-capital-career/executive-change/morrisons-appoints-strain-as-group-finance-director/|title=Morrisons Appoints Strain as Group Finance Director|access-date=17 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109050444/http://www.cfo-insight.com/human-capital-career/executive-change/morrisons-appoints-strain-as-group-finance-director/|archive-date=9 January 2013}}</ref>

In February 2014, it emerged that younger members of the founding Morrison family, who own 10% of the company and who are thought to include two of Honorary President Sir Ken Morrison's children, William Morrison Junior and Andrea Shelley, along with Sir Ken Morrison's niece and her husband, Susan and Nigel Pritchard, had approached a number of [[private equity firm]]s about taking the company private. They were said to be unhappy about the company's financial performance, and Dalton Philips's corporate strategy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/feb/12/morrisons-private-equity-buyout-talk-sir-ken-morrison|title=Struggling Morrisons linked to private equity buyout|work=[[The Guardian]] |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>

Following a new three-year corporate strategy revealed in March 2014 aimed at recovering sales and market share, at Morrisons Annual General Meeting in June 2014 Morrisons former chairman Sir Ken Morrison criticised Dalton Philips's approach.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 January 2015 |title=The RMT's Mick Cash and Tesco's Dave Lewis win my prizes for media manipulation |url=http://www.spectator.co.uk/columnists/any-other-business/9414862/the-rmts-mick-cash-and-tescos-dave-lewis-win-my-prizes-for-media-manipulation/ |access-date=20 March 2015 |work=The Spectator |archive-date=24 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324021143/http://www.spectator.co.uk/columnists/any-other-business/9414862/the-rmts-mick-cash-and-tescos-dave-lewis-win-my-prizes-for-media-manipulation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Morrison's nephew Chris Blundell, who controls most of the remaining family stake in the supermarket, agreed, telling told the board it needed rescuing, and welcomed the decision by chairman Sir Ian Gibson to leave the business in June 2015.<ref name=Independent>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/veteran-morrisons-founder-hits-out-at-the-board-your-strategy-is-a-load-of-bull-9497648.html|title=Sir Ken Blasts Morrisons CEO, Chairman and the board of directors|work=The Independent|date=6 June 2014|access-date=6 June 2014}}</ref>

In June 2014, Morrisons announced that plans had been put in place to cut 2,600 jobs as a result of changes to its management structure.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27888549|title=Morrisons plans to cut 2,600 management jobs|date=17 June 2014|work=BBC News|access-date=19 June 2014}}</ref> Morrisons stated that it had trialled the new structure and believed that better performance was achieved via these methods. These cuts would primarily affect department manager and supervisory positions. Morrisons claimed they would create 1,000 jobs in Morrisons&nbsp;M local convenience stores and 3,000 in new supermarkets. Following this, Morrisons sold its distribution centre in Kent to a real estate investment company for £97.8&nbsp;million. The depot in Kemsley was to be immediately leased back to the supermarket chain on a 25-year agreement, for a rent of £5.4&nbsp;million per annum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent-business/county-news/morrisons-sells-depot-for-978m-18840/|title=Morrisons sells depot for 978m|access-date=19 June 2014|date=18 June 2014|work=Kent Online}}</ref>

Following a 3.1% drop in like-for-like sales in the Christmas 2014 trading period, [[Ian Gibson (businessman)|Sir Ian Gibson]] stood down six months early and was replaced by former [[Tesco]] chief financial officer [[Andrew Higginson (businessman)|Andrew Higginson]] at the end of January 2015. On 25 February 2015, Morrisons named former Tesco director [[David Potts (businessman)|David Potts]] as its new chief executive.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31618375|title=Morrisons names David Potts as new chief executive|date=25 February 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=20 March 2015}}</ref> Dalton Philips<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/13/morrisons-chief-dalton-philips-quits-supermarket|title=Morrisons sacks supermarket boss Dalton Philips|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=13 January 2015}}</ref> and five other executives also left the company in March 2015.<ref>Stones, Mike [http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Business-News/Five-top-Morrisons-executives-exit-in-board-shakeup?nocount Five top Morrisons executives exit in board shakeup]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104181246/http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Business-News/Five-top-Morrisons-executives-exit-in-board-shakeup?nocount|date=4 January 2016}} FoodManufacture.co.uk. 7 April 2015</ref> 

Morrisons also announced the closure of ten loss-making stores (eight former [[Netto UK]] stores and two former Somerfield stores, bought under Philips's leadership) in [[Cramlington]], [[Accrington]], [[Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire|Ravensthorpe]], [[Bransholme]] ([[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]]), [[Telford]], [[West Bromwich]], [[Wallasey]] ([[Seacombe]]), [[Newton le Willows]], [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]] and [[Crawley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/morrisons-plan-close-10-unprofitable-8435813|title=Morrisons plan to close 10 unprofitable stores following fall in Christmas sales|date=30 January 2015|work=The Journal|access-date=20 March 2015|archive-date=13 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313093424/http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/morrisons-plan-close-10-unprofitable-8435813|url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition, six unprofitable convenience stores would close, and the roll-out of the convenience store chain would be slowed, as a batch of 40 sites would no longer be bought.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/27/morrisons-closing-six-convenience-stores-m-local-supermarket|title=Morrisons closing six convenience stores|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=27 November 2014|access-date=20 March 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Morrisons HQ, Bradford - geograph.org.uk - 372718.jpg|thumb|Morrisons' headquarters in [[Bradford]], West Yorkshire]]
In June 2015, Morrisons cut the price of 200 'everyday items' by up to 33%<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33039359|title=Morrisons supermarket cuts prices on 200 'everyday' items|work=BBC News|date=8 June 2015|access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref> The store chain's like-for-like sales had fallen by 2.9% in the first three months of 2015, after falling 2.6% in the last three months of 2014. The company responded by deciding to 'simplify' its head office in Bradford at the cost of 720 jobs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32620500|title=Morrisons continues to see sales fall|work=BBC News|date=7 May 2015|access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref>

In September 2015, Morrisons announced the sale of its 140&nbsp;M Local stores to Mike Greene and [[Greybull Capital]], to be re-branded [[My Local]], for £25&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34198944|title=Morrisons sell its chain of convenience stores|work=BBC News|date=9 September 2015|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref> and that it planned to close 11 supermarkets, with a reported 900 jobs lost.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34206257|title=Morrisons shuts stores as profits fall|work=BBC News|date=10 September 2015|access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref> In January 2016 Morrisons bosses announced that a further 7 stores would be closing to help optimise their existing assets and address areas of underperformance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/morrisons-announce-seven-more-supermarket-10721165|title=Morrisons announces seven more supermarket closures|work=Liverpool Echo|date=12 January 2016 |access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref>

Following a well-publicised crash in UK milk prices in November 2015, Morrisons launched a variety milk labelled 'For Farmers', with a large Union Jack on the label, claiming an extra 23p per 4-pint bottle would to be given to farmers – 10p per litre. Following complaints, Morrisons admitted that the extra money was actually paid to the supplier of the milk, [[Arla Foods]], to be divided among several countries, with only a fifth of the 23p going to UK farmers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/agriculture/farming/11996395/Sour-truth-behind-Morrisons-For-Farmers-milk.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/agriculture/farming/11996395/Sour-truth-behind-Morrisons-For-Farmers-milk.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|first= Robert |last=Mendick|title=Sour truth behind Morrisons' 'For Farmers' milk|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=14 November 2015|access-date=16 November 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Morrisons later changed the scheme in 2017 such that the total additional payment went directly to a selected group of 300 British farmers. A smaller group of 50 farmers were tasked with supplying the range, with additional welfare standards applied to the production of the milk.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Alex |title=UPDATE: Morrisons announces major changes to 'Milk for Farmers' range |url=https://www.fginsight.com/news/news/update-morrisons-announces-major-changes-to-milk-for-farmers-range-24234 |access-date=12 August 2022 |work=Farmers Guardian |date=24 August 2017 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  |title=Morrisons announces 'Milk for Farmers' that supports British farmers |url=https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/corporate-news/morrisons-announces-milk-for-farmers-that-supports-british-farmers/ |website=Morrisons |publisher=Wm Morrison Supermarkets |access-date=12 August 2022}}</ref>

From March 2020, the company aimed to cut down 3,000 management roles, and created 7,000 shop-floor jobs as part of its restructuring plan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51223217|title=Morrisons axes 3,000 managers in shake-up|date=23 January 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, Morrisons was criticised for retaining [[Paula Vennells]] on its board, despite her role as CEO of the Post Office during the [[British Post Office scandal|subpostmasters' scandal]] and criticism of her leadership there as "both cruel and incompetent" by a Conservative peer and various MPs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meddings |first1=Sabah |title=Former Post Office chief Paula Vennells told: quit public jobs |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/former-post-office-chief-paula-vennells-told-quit-public-jobs-8qv2778f5 |work=[[The Times]] |access-date=12 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484963/Care-Quality-Commission-to-discuss-concerns-over-Paula-Vennells-NHS-role|access-date=5 July 2020|date=22 June 2020|title= Care Quality Commission to discuss concerns over Paula Vennells' NHS role|first=Karl|last=Flinders|website=Computer Weekly}}</ref> Vennells eventually left her role as a non-executive director on 26 April 2021.<ref name="BBCVen">{{cite news |title=Post office scandal: Ex-boss quits director jobs after scandal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56882496 |access-date=12 August 2022 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=26 April 2021}}</ref>

On 16 August 2021, a worker led a protest against the company for raising deformed birds at four of its intensive farms. ''The Independent'' reported that campaigners from Open Cages, Animal Equality UK and [[The Humane League|The Humane League UK]] were urging Morrisons to sign the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), banning the use of fast-growing breeds susceptible to  lameness and heart attacks, and giving birds  natural light and more space. The company responded that they cared about animal welfare, required suppliers to maintain standards, and had asked for a full investigation.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 August 2021|title=Morrisons employee leads nationwide protests over 'Frankenchickens'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/morrisons-protests-franken-chickens-welfare-b1903038.html|access-date=16 August 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref>

===CD&R takeover===
In June 2021, Morrisons rejected a £5.5&nbsp;billion takeover bid from private equity firm [[Clayton, Dubilier & Rice]] (CD&R) believing it "significantly undervalued" the company.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/19/private-equity-firm-mulls-cash-offer-for-morrisons|title=Morrisons rejects £5.5bn takeover offer from private equity firm|work=The Guardian|date=19 June 2021|accessdate=20 June 2021}}</ref>

In July 2021 a bid to take over Morrisons, led by US private equity firm, [[Fortress Investment Group]] and backed by the [[Canada Pension Plan]] and [[Koch Industries]], valuing the company at £6.3&nbsp;billion ($8.7&nbsp;billion), was made. This bid was provisionally accepted by the board, subject to shareholder approval, on 3 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/market-news/recommended-offer-for-wm-morrison-supermarkets-plc/15044781 |date=3 July 2021 |title=Rule 2.7 Announcement – Offer from Fortress |website=London Stock Exchange}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57705253 |title=Morrisons: Supermarket agrees £6.3bn takeover |date=4 July 2021 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Following the Fortress bid, [[Apollo Global]] were considering a bid, leading to speculation of a bidding war,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57718738 |work=[[BBC News]] |title=Morrisons: Bidding war looms for supermarket as rivals circle |date=7 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5a435638-2bb1-4961-893a-e2c8037f37af |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5a435638-2bb1-4961-893a-e2c8037f37af |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=A Wm Morrison bidding war is a failure of public markets |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=5 July 2021 |first=Bryce |last=Elder}}</ref> but Apollo Global withdrew and supported the Fortress bid.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57899237 |title=Prospect of Morrisons bidding war recedes |date=20 July 2021 |work=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=20 July 2021}}</ref> On 6 August 2021, the Fortress-led consortium increased its offer to £6.7&nbsp;billion ($9.29&nbsp;billion) after [[Silchester International Investors]], Morrisons largest shareholder, said the previous offer was too low.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 August 2021|title=Fortress-led group increases offer for Morrisons to £6.7bn|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/aug/06/fortress-offer-morrisons-bidder|access-date=6 August 2021|website=The Guardian}}</ref> The Morrisons board once again recommended the deal to shareholders.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 August 2021|title=Morrisons agrees to raised £6.7bn takeover offer from Fortress|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58112224|access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref> However, on 19 August 2021 an improved offer of £7&nbsp;billion from CD&R was recommended by the board of Morrisons to shareholders; the board dropped its recommendation for Fortress's offer.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58273916 |title=Morrisons backs US firm's improved takeover offer |date=20 August 2021 |work=BBC News|accessdate=20 August 2021}}</ref>

In October 2021 the £7&nbsp;billion CD&R bid was accepted;<ref>{{cite news|date=2 October 2021|title=Morrisons: US firm wins auction to take over supermarket chain|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58773825|access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref> the takeover was approved by the High Court on 26 October 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/yorkshire/7.1bn-morrisons-takeover-sanctioned|title=£7.1BN Morrisons takeover sanctioned|newspaper=Insider Media|date=26 October 2021|access-date=26 October 2021}}</ref>

In May 2022, Morrisons purchased [[McColl's]] in a [[pre-packaged insolvency]] arrangement with its administrator, with all stores eventually converting to the Morrisons Daily fascia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Morrisons wins race to buy McColl's ahead of Asda owners|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/09/morrisons-asda-owners-mccolls-administration |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date= 9 May 2022|access-date=10 May 2022}}</ref>

In February 2023, 16 months after the CD&R takeover of the 124-year-old chain, it was reported as having "fallen into a hole that just keeps getting deeper".<ref name=butler>{{cite news | last=Butler | first=Sarah | title=Is private equity tearing the soul out of Morrisons supermarket? |newspaper=The Guardian | date=27 February 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/27/is-private-equity-tearing-the-soul-out-of-morrisons-supermarket}}</ref>

The chain's underlying profits had dropped by 15% to £828&nbsp;million in the year ending 30 October; sales dropped by 4.2% despite prices increasing sharply—implying an even greater loss in volume of sales—for a pre-tax loss of £33&nbsp;million. Morrisons' net debt obligations had been £3.2bn before the CD&R takeover, and had increased to £7.5&nbsp;billion. A former senior Morrisons executive said "[CD&R] paid too much and now they have to claw that back".<ref name=butler/> Unlike any other UK supermarket, Morrisons has a manufacturing arm including [[abattoir]]s, vegetable packing houses and fish processing plants comprising a vertically integrated supply chain. An industry insider suggested that this may be sold, which would mean a complete change of course for the company.<ref name=butler/>

On 6 November 2023 [[Rami Baitiéh]]  succeeded David Potts as Chief Executive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/people/what-must-new-ceo-rami-baitieh-do-to-turn-morrisons-around/685015.article|title=What does new CEO Rami Baitiéh need to do to turn Morrisons around and how is he likely to go about it?|newspaper=The Grocer|date=6 November 2023|access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref>