What's the news?
The Competition Authority has granted approval to Joe Duffy Group to acquire Motorpark Athlone. Plans are underway for it to be rebranded as Joe Duffy Ford Athlone. It is the first location for the Joe Duffy Group in Connacht and brings the total number of franchises to 20, with the group now employing 440 people.
Commenting on the news, Gavin Hydes, Joe Duffy Group CEO, said: "I am delighted to confirm that we have acquired Motorpark Athlone. This acquisition, which will be our second Ford passenger car & commercial vehicles dealership and further demonstrates our confidence in the Ford brand and our ambition to grow our Group and increase our national footprint. I look forward to welcoming the team at Athlone to the Group. I am very excited about the future and what we can achieve together with our latest addition to the Joe Duffy family."
Michael Barry, CEO, Motorpark, said: "When selling the business, it was imperative to the Group and me personally, that we found somebody who would ensure the continuity of our business and continuance of service for our employees and customers. The Joe Duffy Group is Ireland's largest retail motor Group. For the team, they will benefit from being part of a group with ambitious expansion plans and further career development opportunities. I am incredibly grateful to the team for their commitment, and I am extremely happy that they will be joining the Joe Duffy Group".