CCPC clears acquisition of filling stations by Maxol and Circle K

Watchdog has concerns about circle K's dominance in north Dublin

Maxol will now operate 248 sites across Ireland. File Picture: Andy Gibson.

The Maxol Group has been cleared to acquire three sites in Dublin bringing to 248, the number of sites and filling stations it operates in Ireland.

The Competition and Consumer Protection approved the acquisition. The three stations are currently supplied by Maxol under a fuel wholesale agreement and owned by Johnny and Susan Brady, and located at Spawell Auto stop, Templeogue, Coolquay Service Station, Dublin 11 and  Crosslands Service Station in Clondalkin.

The acquisitions are part of Maxol’s five-year, €175m investment strategy. Maxol acquired eight forecourts and completed 14 redevelopments last year.

Maxol CEO Brian Donaldson said the three Dublin sites will undergo a retrofitting programme, including the introduction of a Maxol Deli and ROSA Coffee stations.

“Today, more than 40% of Maxol’s gross profit is generated from non-fuel services. Convenience retail, food offerings, car wash facilities, and new mobility solutions have become key drivers of our business growth," he said.

"It is our goal to have all three sites transferred and operating under the Maxol model by the end of the summer.”

Separately, the CCPC also cleared the proposed acquisition of eight Pelco-operated, Texaco-branded service stations in Dublin and Meath by Circle K.

An investigation by the CCPC found that while competition would not be substantially lessened in most areas as a result of the transaction. They said potential issues could arise in certain parts of north Dublin. Circle K holds a large share in the retail sale of motor fuels in Artane and Coolock in north Dublin, far greater than any remaining supplier there. If the transaction went ahead as proposed, Circle K’s share would increase significantly.

Circle K has agreed not to proceed with the acquisition of the Pelco service station in Coolock as part of the deal and to divest the Circle K service station at 9 Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, to another operator under a long-term lease arrangement.