Pictured, from left, are Dermot O'Toole, head of retail and marketing, Maxol; John Hennigan, vendor of site; Francis McDonnell, licensee of Maxol Ballindine; and Kieran Broderick, store manager.

Maxol acquires new site in Ballindine

LEADING forecourt convenience retailer Maxol has strengthened its presence in the west of Ireland having completed the acquisition of a new site at Ballindine in south Mayo.

Formerly a Topaz forecourt with Centra supermarket, this latest acquisition by Maxol follows the recent double investment in Mayo earlier this year with the restoration of Maxol Newport Road, Westport, and the opening of a new venture at Duffy’s Garage in Castlebar, both of which involved a combined investment in excess of €2 million. More than 50 jobs were created for the areas at the time.

Maxol Ballindine is currently undergoing an extensive rebrand. Francis McDonnell from Castlebar, who has been a successful retailer in the local area for 14 years, has been appointed as the new licensee of the business.

Speaking about this latest acquisition, Brian Donaldson, Maxol’s CEO, commented: “This is a great opportunity for Maxol to grow and increase its brand awareness in Co. Mayo, building on the flourishing business long established by John and Patricia Hennigan.

“We are delighted to welcome Francis McDonnell to the Maxol company network of independent retailers and in working with Francis to deliver the high standards of customer service and quality range of services that the local community of Ballindine have enjoyed for many years. We have plans to invest in new site facilities with Centra which we look forward to introducing this year.”

John Hennigan, previous owner of the business, said: “We are delighted that a respected and long-standing family-owned company such as Maxol have acquired our business. It has been a seamless handover and I firmly believe it is in very safe hands with Maxol and Francis.

“It is never easy to retire from a business and one which the Hennigan family have enjoyed so much. We wish to thank all of our customers for their loyalty, support, and not least the great friendship we have built over the years.”

Mr. McDonnell, the newly appointed licensee for Maxol Ballindine, said he is looking forward to serving the local community with the high standards that customers expect at Ballindine.

“We have a very loyal customer base and it’s our aim to retain that and ensure it continues going forward. It’s great to see the Maxol brand expanding in the west of Ireland and we look forward to supporting the local community, as well as the strong passing trade on this very busy road, for the forseeable future.”

Maxol Ballindine is one of 10 new locations that Maxol is opening this year.