Don't know the landlord but you could try asking in Lilypads. Can't hurt to ask.

Consider another possibility: lots of landlords prefer corporate tenants on the basis that they provide a secure long term income so less risk. The complicating factor here is the idea of some sort of joint venture with Sainsburys. The presence of which would be expected to boost the market rate anyway.

Having said all that, if the current tenants have had their notice served (do we know this?) then this surely means that a deal has been struck. Hope it's a good one.