Convenience retail chain Circle K has acquired nine forecourt and convenience locations from convenience retail group Pelco in Ireland.
The deal, pending approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), will see Circle K's workforce grow to 2,574 employees, with all 142 staff at the acquired locations retaining their jobs.
The acquisition will increase Circle K's company-owned and operated stores to 177, with the total number of Circle K locations in Ireland, including its dealer partner network, reaching 419.
Seven of the nine locations are situated in Dublin, one each in Meath and Westmeath counties.
The integration and rebranding of nine stores will take place in the second half of 2024 with existing services such as deli and car wash incorporated into Circle K's product and service offerings.
Circle K, which entered the Irish market in 2016, has already invested €230m.
These investments have been allocated to new locations, upgrades of existing sites and infrastructure developments, including sustainable fuel and electric vehicle facilities.
Circle K Ireland managing director Ciara Foxton said: "We are delighted to make this announcement today as we add nine strategically located and highly valuable forecourt locations to the Circle K network in Ireland. This acquisition is a key part of Circle K’s growth strategy and will significantly enhance our established and extensive convenience store and forecourt network.
“Every week, we welcome approximately 1.5 million customers to our stores, and this will now enable us to serve the needs of even more customers in Ireland, providing them with the quality products and services they come to expect when they visit Circle K.”
