Competition body clears purchase of Offaly sand and gravel pit

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared the way for the purchase of a sand and gravel pit and processing plant in Offaly.

The CCPC today confirmed it had approved the purchase by Kilsaran Concrete Unlimited Company’s of certain assets owned by Kilmurray Precast Concrete Limited, including the sand and gravel pit and processing plant in Derryarkin, Rhode.

This proposed purchase was notified to the CCPC in November 2023. The CCPC determined that a full investigation was required to establish whether the proposed purchase would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the State.

Kilsaran manufactures and supplies ready-mix concrete, blocks and other building materials and also undertakes surfacing contracts for road construction, building and civil engineering works.

Kilmurray owns and operates the Derryarkin, Rhode, pit.

The CCPC undertook a detailed examination of how the proposed purchase would impact competition, including in the supply of sand and gravel. Following this examination, the CCPC determined that the proposed deal will not substantially lessen competition. As a result, the CCPC cleared the proposed purchase, which can now be put into effect.

The CCPC will publish a full determination on ccpc.ie no later than 60 working days after the date of the determination, allowing the parties the opportunity to request that confidential information be removed.