Spar has announced a £200 million deal with Maxol in Northern Ireland. The five year deal involves 29 Maxol convenience stores being branded as Spar outlets and means that all of Maxol’s company-owned service stations in NI will now operate under the Spar

brand.

The move follows an initial trial of the Spar franchise at a number of Maxol sites in late 2005 and the aim is to ensure a consistent visual identity, service and range of grocery goods for all Maxol customers. As part of the deal Maxol will provide petroleum fuels to 13 service stations owned by the Henderson Group, which will be branded with the Maxol blue and yellow forecourt image. Brian Donaldson (pictured left), general manager, marketing and retail, of the Maxol Group said: "The deal will consolidate Maxol’s position as the undisputed market leader in the petrol retailing market in NI and will lay down a strong platform for the future growth of the business. Both Maxol and the Henderson Group are locally-owned family-run businesses, which despite the economic downturn, have continued to invest in their business, and both share a commitment to provide the highest standards of customer care. Spar has an established reputation for value and an extensive portfolio of convenience products which importantly, from our customers’ point of view, means we can expand the range of products we provide them." Patrick Doody (pictured right), sales and marketing director, Henderson Wholesale, said: "This deal is excellent news for our business, allowing us to expand our portfolio of Spar stores throughout the Province alongside our fuel partner Maxol. The combination of two strong brands, Sapr and Maxol, will result in a first-class convenience store and petrol forecourt solution for the consumer. We look forward to working together on this project and bringing all the benefits of the Spar brand to these sites."