Applegreen sells UK petrol stations to EG On The Move
Published on: Jan 13, 2025
Applegreen will focus on expanding the Welcome Break brand in the UK, and the rest of its operations in Ireland and the U.S.
Irish retailer Applegreen has agreed the sale of its UK petrol filling station business to EG On The Move, a UK-based operator of stations and convenience stores.
The sale includes 98 sites and involves 1,142 employees. According to Applegreen, nearly all staff members are expected to transition to the new owners, with the exception of a small number of employees in overlapping roles.
The transaction does not impact Applegreen's Welcome Break business in the UK, which operates 59 sites, including 34 motorway service areas and 31 hotels. Welcome Break employs over 6,000 people, and the company affirmed its commitment to further expansion in the UK market.
"We remain fully committed to our presence and growth in the UK market. We have significant plans to expand Welcome Break and our EV charging business as part of the €1 billion investment plan announced last year," said Joe Barrett, co-founder and chief executive of Applegreen.
Barrett highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the development of new Welcome Break locations and upgrades to existing sites. He also noted the upcoming opening of a £55 million Welcome Break motorway service area on the M1 near Rotherham.
Applegreen emphasized that it will continue investing in its operations in Ireland, where it operates nearly 200 locations. This includes expanding its M&S partnership, which currently features in 21 locations, growing its Braeburn Coffee brand, and upgrading existing sites.
In the US and UK, Applegreen is shifting its focus to larger sites with food offerings as a central component. Additionally, the company is prioritizing its electric vehicle (EV) charging business across Ireland, the UK, and the US, with plans to invest €85 million over the next five years.
