East Cork Oil cleared to acquire Glen Fuel

Competition authority finds deal would not lessen competition

East Cork Oil operates in the Munster region, but also across parts of Leinster and Connacht, through a network of 32 company-owned depots

Ireland's competition watchdog has approved the acquisition by East Cork Oil Company of a Wexford and Wicklow fuel distributor, Glen Fuel Services.

The home heating company, headquartered in Midleton, is active in the distribution of refined fuel products. 

It primarily operates in the Munster region, but also across parts of Leinster and Connacht, through a network of 32 company-owned depots. It is also active in the retail sale of motor fuels through 12 service stations, and, limitedly, through its depots.

East Cork Oil also supplies ancillary products such as lubricants/greases, oil storage tanks, and fuel cards.

The proposed acquisition of Glen Fuel Services was reported to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in August.

Glen Fuel Services primarily operates in Wexford and Wicklow through a network of five depots.

In a report published this week, the CCPC cleared the acquisition, stating: "The Commission has formed the view that the proposed transaction will not substantially lessen competition in any market for goods or services in the State."