Watchdog to hold full investigation on Circle K's plan to buy Pelco filling stations

Nine filling stations were to be added to the Circle K network

Circle K in Ireland operates more than 400 filling stations employing 1,232 employees. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The competition watchdog has opened a full investigation into Circle K's planned acquisition of nine Pelco service stations in Dublin, Meath and Westmeath.

The company announced the planned acquisition in July with the 142 staff at the filling stations moving to Circle K.