Regulator's concerns over Circle K's acquisitions

The Irish competition watchdog has outlined concerns over an incoming deal between Circle K and a chain of Irish filling stations.

Circle K’s Irish entity and Pelco Ltd, a multi-retail business with service stations and convenience stores located in throughout Ireland, notified the Competitions and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of a planned acquisition last year.

In the deal, nine out of the thirteen Pelco-owned service stations, primarily located in Dublin – will come under the control of Circle K Ireland Holding Ltd. The CCPC first saw the deal in July 2024.

Following initial probes into the sale, the CCPC launched an in-depth investigation over competition concerns. Its preliminary findings, announced this afternoon, the watchdog has said the proposed acquisition could reduce competition in the retail-fuel sector.

Full story Regulator outlines competition concerns over Circle K's acquisition of Irish filling stations