Irish retailer Applegreen to invest €1bn

The retail fuel operator is planning to expand its network of motorway and roadside service areas in Ireland and the UK, as well as grow its electric car charging networks in both countries. Applegreen operates in more than 200 locations across Ireland.

Across Ireland, Applegreen operates more than 200 locations while in the US it has more than 100 motorway service areas. In the UK, it operates the Welcome Break business, which has 58 sites, including 34 motorway service areas, and 31 hotels.

Applegreen chief executive Joe Barrett said the investment would take place over the next five years, with the cash being spent on redeveloping its sites and growing its operations “both organically and through acquisitions”.

“We currently have 106 travel plazas in states such as New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, and Indiana, and we are very keen to expand our presence there, building upon our established and trusted relationships with the roads authorities,” he said.

In Ireland, Applegreen is planning on growing its partnership with M&S Food to 60 locations from the 19 it has currently.

It is also planning to expand its network of motorway and roadside service areas in Ireland and the UK as well as grow its electric car charging networks in both countries.