SEVERAL East Lancashire shops could be set to change hands.

Sketchley has announced it was in talks to hive off its retail business, including 599 dry cleaners and the SupaSnaps photo-processing shops. The firm operates outlets in Rawtenstall and Blackburn.

The disclosure followed last week's announcement that the group had received a tentative approach that could lead to a takeover bid. A spokesman said the two approaches were unconnected and added a further announcement on discussions about the possible sale of the retail division would be made "in due course".

Analysts expect the retail businesses to fetch around £10 million, less than half the predicted price when the group first indicated it planned to sell the operations.

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