Competition authority to review forecourts merger

The Maxol service station network consists of 243 service stations across the island of Ireland that are owned either by independent dealers or directly by Maxol which is in turn owned by McMullan Bros.

The proposed takeover was notified to authorities in December. Following a preliminary investigation, the CCPC has now opened an in-depth investigation to establish whether a deal could substantially lessen of competition.

Submissions from interested parties can be made until 4:30pm on 24 April 2024.

The in-depth investigation will consider how the deal would affect levels of competition between service stations, including potential consequences for consumers.

The latest planned Maxol expansion follows a deal last year to buy the Kinsella's Fuel Services business and against a background of consolidation, including by the rival Applegreen chain.

The CCPC’s deadline to make a Phase 2 determination is 120 working days from the date the proposed transaction was notified or, where a requirement for information has been issued to any of the parties involved in Phase 1, the date where all the required information has been provided to the CCPC.

Following that process regulators may allow a deal to go ahead, block it or allow it to proceed with conditions attached.