Circle K Ireland's Pelco acquisition faces competition scrutiny

After an initial review, the CCPC has outlined concerns that the transaction could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the fuel retail sector.

Circle K Ireland’s planned acquisition of a majority of Pelco Holdings’ service stations has encountered a regulatory hurdle, with Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) raising preliminary concerns about the deal’s potential impact on competition in the retail fuel market.

The proposed acquisition, involving Ard Services Limited (a subsidiary of Circle K Ireland Holding Limited) and Pelco Holdings Limited, was notified to the CCPC in July 2024. Following an initial review, the watchdog determined that a more detailed investigation was warranted. This week, the CCPC issued a preliminary assessment outlining concerns that the transaction could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the motor fuel retail sector.

Pelco operates thirteen service stations in Ireland, with nine of those locations — primarily in the greater Dublin area — included in the proposed deal.

As part of the next phase, the parties involved have the opportunity to respond to the CCPC’s findings, make oral submissions, and access the regulator’s case file. The review remains ongoing, and a final determination is expected by July 2025.