 Despite its name, it did not operate any interests in the Republic of Ireland.Safeway entered the Northern market in 1996, by forming a joint venture between Safeway (UK) and Sir Anthony O'Reilly's Fitzwilton Group, owners of the Wellworths supermarket chain.Larger Wellworths stores became part of this joint venture, with smaller stores being sold to the Musgrave Group and rebranded Wellworths-Supervalu.