Approval’s been granted to the Maxol Group for the acquisition of seven forecourt and convenience retail stores in Leinster.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has given the go-ahead to the chain which will see the brand overseeing 252 sites as part of its Irish network.
The sites are at Ballylinan Co Laois, Gorey Co Wexford, Maganey and Proposperous in Kildare, Wicklow town and Kiltale and Rathoath in Meath.
All will be supported by a €3m retrofitting programme that will include Maxol branding and signage, the introduction of the store concept and will feature their Deli, ROSA Coffee stations and car wash facilities.
“This acquisition is central to our long-term strategic plan to invest in retail sites that offer the potential for growth in the core areas of neighbourhood food convenience and top up shopping,” said Brian Donaldson. “Today’s announcement is a statement of our intent for the business. In the last ten years we have invested over €225m in our retail network, comprising expenditure programmes and initiatives designed to future proof the business and to meet the changing demands of our growing customer base.”
The locations of the sites acquired by Maxol support its long-established model of operating in and supporting local communities as well as the domestic economy. “All existing staff will be transferring as part of the deal and the new sites will be operated by independent retailers under licence from Maxol.” said Mr Donaldson.
More than half of Maxol’s income now comes from non-fuel sales in line with the repositioning of the company as a leading convenience retailer, as fuel becomes a smaller part of sales and income from new forms of mobility grows in importance. Earlier this year Maxol launched its first rapid EV hub in the Republic of Ireland at Maxol Newbridge, featuring six high speed 200kw chargers.
With two Maxol EV hubs already in operation in Northern Ireland, a second ROI hub is planned at Maxol Ballycoolin in the next 12 months.
Following an initial investment of €1.2 m in its ROI hub, Mr Donaldson confirmed that the business is considering a further 20 sites across Ireland, for which it hopes to submit planning permission applications for similar EV charging hubs during 2024 and 2025.
Maxol’s expanded network of 252 sites now comprises 122 company owned stores and 130 independently owned sites operating under the Maxol brand.
Operating as an Irish family business for 104 years, more than 80 people are employed directly and over 1,200 indirectly by The Maxol Group across the island of Ireland.
