CCPC opens full investigation into Circle K deal to purchase Pelco service stations
December 6, 2024
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is to carry out a full investigation into Circle K’s proposal to acquire Pelco Holdings Limited, which owns and operates service stations and associated forecourt convenience stores. Details of the parties and the proposed transaction are available on (M/24/2024).
Under competition law, the CCPC must assess certain mergers and acquisitions in order to prevent harmful effects on competition. In doing so, the CCPC considers the potential impact of mergers and acquisitions on consumers, such as changes to price, consumer choice, quality and innovation.
Circle K Ireland Holding Limited is active in the retail sale of motor fuels, owning and operating service stations, forecourt convenience stores and general convenience stores across the island of Ireland. Pelco Holdings is also active in the retail sale of motor fuels, owning and operating service stations and associated forecourt convenience stores located in counties Dublin, Meath and Westmeath.
The proposed purchase was notified to the CCPC in July 2024. Following a preliminary investigation, the CCPC has now decided that a full investigation is needed to establish whether allowing the purchase to go ahead will result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State.
The CCPC welcomes submissions from interested parties by email to mergers@ccpc.ie by 4:30pm on 19 December 2024.
As the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be provided at this time.
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