A FAST-fit business is beginning to wind down its UK operations following a long period of cost cutting.
In recent years, the Michelin-owned firm ATS Euromaster has been trying to reshape its business due to the UK automotive aftermarket industry facing overcapacity, higher running costs and slower demand.
As a result, it announced plans to close 86 of its least profitable service centres in 2025.
But ATS Euromaster now says those closures still did not fix the problem, with no realistic route back to breaking even – partly because customers’ behaviour has been changing.
In a recent press release, the firm said it is now looking to exit the UK market rather than simply cut back further.
Two buyers have shown interest in taking over parts of the network, which ATS Euromaster says it is pursuing mainly to protect as many jobs as possible.
The proposal is to sell 35 of its 152 remaining sites to Formula One Autocentres and 14 sites to S&M Tyres, which trades as Elite Garages.
However, a further 703 roles will be at risk of redundancy across its Aston-based head office, its call centre and the remaining 103 sites.
The company says that once the sales are completed, the network left behind would simply be too small and would not cover enough of the UK to compete properly, meaning it would no longer be viable to keep trading.
Nick Harley, group managing director of Euromaster UK, said the announcement was a “sad and difficult moment”, adding that despite efforts to reshape the firm, competition, sluggish activity and rising costs had left the company with “no viable path forward” to break even.
He added: “Our number one priority now is to treat every employee fairly and respectfully, fully appreciating that many have enjoyed long careers with us.
“Colleagues transferring to the new owners will do so with continuity and stability, while those in locations proposed for closure will be supported through collective consultation.”
ATS Euromaster says its sites cited for potential closure will remain open during consultation – which is expected to run until April 30 2026.
If the proposals go ahead, it says the final day of trading would be May 1 2026.
The company also says it will agree a package of support for staff as part of the consultation, including access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme and specialist outplacement support.
It has also proposed moving 13 staff in the specialist role of mobile night technician into Tructyre, another Euromaster Group business focused on mobile tyres for trucks and other commercial vehicles.
They also added that it is reassuring customers and suppliers it will follow a structured process to meet commitments during the wind-down and keep the transition as smooth as possible.
It also stresses that the planned closures only affect ATS Euromaster in the UK, not other parts of the wider Euromaster Group.
Leave a comment