WEALTH September 4, 2026 0 Comments

Atlas Autoservice’s Bold Move: Why Snapping Up Four Key Depots in Dublin and Wicklow Could Shake Up Ireland’s Auto Industry Forever

Ever wonder what it takes to truly own your success—not just the business, but the very ground you stand on? Atlas Autoservice, already Dublin’s heavyweight in the tyre and car servicing arena, just flipped the script by snapping up four key sites across Bray, Coolock, Dun Laoghaire, and Donnybrook. It’s not just about expansion; it’s a bold play to control the real estate beneath its wheels, solidifying a foundation most businesses only dream of. Here’s the kicker: this move ties deeply into a family legacy, with the founder John McKillen proudly reclaiming pieces of a business footprint his father laid decades ago. It’s a masterstroke in long-term strategy—owning the property to own the future—while sharpening their edge with savvy investments in people and tech. So, is this the kind of vision every entrepreneur should steal? Buckle up, because Atlas Autoservice isn’t just servicing cars—they’re steering the whole industry forward. LEARN MORE

Atlas Autoservice, the largest tyre and car servicing chain in Dublin, has completed the acquisition of four of its sites in Bray, Coolock, Dun Laoghaire and Donnybrook.

The purchases form part of Atlas’ strategy to own all the properties where it has depots. The company now has full ownership of most of its depot property portfolio following a series of investments over the past year.

In December 2023, Atlas Autoservice acquired Bridgestone‘s 18 Irish retail depots, which were operating under the First Sop and Fast Fit brands prior to being integrated with Atlas Autoservice.

Many of the Bridgestone depots acquired previously traded as DC Exhaust, a business founded by the father of the founder of Atlas Autoservice, John McKillen, in the 1970s.

That business was sold to Kwik Fit in 1990. As part of the property acquisition strategy a number of other depots that were previously owned by Paddy McKillen have been re-acquired by the family.

“I am very proud that as we build our Atlas Autoservice business, we are also re-building the footprint of the business that was previously owned by my father,” said John McKillen.

“The flagship property acquisitions which include high profile sites in Dun Laoghaire and Donnybrook, gives us the independence and freedom that comes with owning the property from which you are trading.

“This strategy to fully own our property portfolio gives us certainty for the future and a really strong foundation upon which we can continue to build and expand our services.”

In addition to the property strategy, Atlas Autoservice has invested in front of house recruitment as well as training in technology and innovation.

The company has added body repairs and diamond cut alloy wheels to its range of tyre and car servicing options.

“Our plan two years ago was to become the largest tyre and car servicing group in Dublin, and we have certainly achieved that goal,” said McKillen.

Atlas Autoservice has acquired four of its depots in Dublin and Wicklow. (Pic: Naoise Culhane)

“By investing in our depot portfolio, we can invest further in the services that we offer and the people that provide the kind of service that brings our customers back.

“We believe that there is significant opportunity to grow further with more and more people seeking high quality, hands on and reliable service, something that we are proud to consistently deliver from all our depots. Our plans are to continue to invest and grow this successful family business over the years ahead.”