The Connolly Motor Group has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Hyundai Galway. It will see the number of people employed by the group rise to 280, and the company expects to increase staff numbers at the Hyundai Galway's site in Ballybrit beyond the current 31.
Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Connolly, Director of Connolly Motor Group, said: "I hope that with our new relationship with Hyundai, we can continue to build upon what is already a prominent and well-respected company within the motor industry. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues upon joining the Connolly family; their expertise is a valuable asset to our group.
"This is another strategic acquisition for our business, further strengthening our offering to our customers in the west and creating economies of scale in a highly-competitive market."
Hyundai Ireland Managing Director, Stephen Gleeson, said: "We are delighted to welcome Connolly Motor Group to the Hyundai family. Hyundai is Ireland's fastest-growing car brand over the last ten years, and the fit between both companies in terms of expansion and ambition is very clear. We are sure that working together with the Connolly Motor Group we can provide an excellent service to the people of Galway and beyond."
Continued expansion
In 2007, the Connolly Motor Group was appointed as dealers for the Audi and Volkswagen brands in Sligo and opened a dedicated Audi facility in keeping with the brand's corporate identity in 2011. In 2012 it added Audi Galway to its portfolio. Since 2016, the Group has continued its expansion with the opening of a new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Collooney, Sligo and then another Mercedes-Benz dealership in Ballybrit in 2017. It was here that the Group added its second Audi facility following a €5 million investment. Earlier this year it was appointed as a main dealer for SEAT in Sligo. The Connolly Motor Group is one of the largest groups in Ireland and sells more than 5,000 vehicles per year.