Geisslers supermarket chain in Germany is to close down, after the chain’s parent company, Bayerische Landesbank, announced it was ceasing to take part in the company’s wholesale business.

Geisslers owner Dieter Geissinger said on Thursday the supermarket chain was “not the right place” for the company to focus its efforts, and that it would continue to invest in new products and in developing a new brand.

The company said it would be re-opening at the end of April.

A spokesman for the supermarket group said the company had decided to stop participating in its wholesale business and instead focus on its new, brand-new grocery business.

The move comes at a time of increasing competition from food manufacturers, which are increasingly looking to focus on price, quality and customer service over convenience.

The grocery chain had been a staple in the German food market, with its product line of fresh produce, prepared meals, meats and prepared meals in its stores.

In April, Geissers said it was considering whether to shut down.