Tesco Ireland plans to take over 10 retail stores across Co Galway as part of a massive investment.
The shops currently operate under the Joyce family’s independent brand - but will be rebranded into Tesco stores, subject to CCPC approval.
Tesco plan to open the stores throughout 2022 on a phased basis and have promised to take on Joyce’s staff as well as engage with their suppliers to identify and develop business opportunities.
The new stores will include a range of services and supports including grocery home shopping, click and collect, F&F clothing and homeware, as well as the Tesco Community Fund.
The acquisition, which is subject to the approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, marks the first significant investment by Tesco in a portfolio of stores in Ireland during its almost 25 years in business.
Tesco Ireland CEO, Kari Daniels, said Joyce’s Supermarkets have built up a fantastic business, aspects of which he thinks will compliment Tesco’s offering.
He said: “I am really pleased that we’ve reached agreement with Joyce’s Supermarkets and look forward to bringing Tesco to more communities in Galway in the year ahead – this agreement provides a great platform for us to bring our value, quality and range of products to more customers, and to bring our grocery home shopping service to more locations in the west of Ireland.
“We look forward to welcoming Joyce’s’ colleagues and customers to Tesco and engaging with suppliers and the wider community in Galway, subject to CCPC review, as soon as possible.”
Pat Joyce, Managing Director of Joyce’s Supermarkets, described it as a “historic moment” for his business.
He said: “We have carefully considered the opportunity and are very pleased to pass our business on to an established brand in Tesco that promotes quality and excellence across its business, and which has an established presence in the Irish market.
“I wish to express our gratitude for the loyal support of our staff, suppliers and customers and I would like to sincerely thank them for being part of our journey over many years. Should this acquisition be approved, I believe the move will be of significant benefit to them, and I would look forward to continuing our work well into next year as part of a transition period.”
Tesco currently has 151 stores in Ireland, five of which are in Co Galway, and employs over 13,000 people.
