The proposed purchase was notified to the CCPC in December 2023. The CCPC determined in April 2024 that a full investigation was required to establish if the proposed acquisition would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the State.

Maxol Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of McMullan Bros Limited, sells oil and petroleum products. The Maxol service station network consists of 243 Maxol-branded retail motor fuel service stations across the island of Ireland. These are owned either by independent dealers or directly by Maxol itself.

Naas Fuels Limited owns and operates seven Circle K-branded retail motor fuel service stations.

The CCPC examined how the proposed deal would impact competition in different potential markets, including the retail sale of motor fuels and the operation of forecourt convenience stores in local areas serviced by both Maxol and Naas Fuels.

The CCPC concluded that Maxol will continue to compete with other suppliers in the retail sale of motor fuels and the operation of forecourt convenience stores. As a result, the CCPC has determined that the proposed acquisition will not substantially lessen competition and can be put into effect.