Maxol and BWG pen €80m deal

AN EXCLUSIVE forecourt partnership between the Maxol Group and BWG Foods worth €80 million per year in retail turnover was expanded yesterday.

The agreement, set for five years, will see a further 25 Maxol Mace forecourt operations to the network by 2012.

This is a continuation of the 10-year partnership between the brands which has resulted in a total of 50 Maxol Mace forecourt retail operations across the Republic of Ireland.

The stores account for annual retail sales of approximately €80m.

The Maxol Group, which is entirely Irish-owned by the McMullan family.

Chief executive of The Maxol Group Tom Noonan said: “Investment of over €35m has already been made in our 50 stores in the last six years and a further €3m is planned in 2007.

“Maxol is pleased to be extending its alliance with BWG Foods in the Republic of Ireland and looks forward to a further successful five years.”

BWG Foods operates 128 Mace stores in the Republic of Ireland and employs over 3,000 people.

BWG group chief executive Leo Crawford said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the Maxol Group as their exclusive forecourt retail partner.

“Forecourt retailing has become an increasingly significant part of the retail sector in Ireland.”

Mr Crawford continued: “Our partnership with Maxol will allow the Mace brand to continue to grow and develop its forecourt retail offer over the next five years.”