Speaking to Tyre News Media, a spokesperson for the tyre and vehicle servicing chain confirmed it is pursuing “a structured wind-down of its operations in the UK” after a strategic review of the business concluded that the current network is not sustainable in its present form. The move comes despite a significant restructuring just last year, which involved the closure of 86 of its least profitable centres. The spokesperson told us that last year’s cuts had not been enough to return the business to profit, explaining that they operate in “a market experiencing over-capacity, rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour.”
As part of the wind-down plan, ATS Euromaster is in advanced discussions to sell 35 of its remaining 152 points of sale to Formula One Autocentres, with a further 14 sites set to be acquired by S&M Tyres, which trades under the Elite Garages brand. Should both transactions complete, 216 employees across the 49 locations are anticipated to transfer to the new owners under TUPE regulations, offering a degree of job security for a significant portion of the affected workforce.
When asked about the challenges facing the business, the spokesperson said the company’s review had confirmed that it continues to face “overcapacity and rising operating costs in a challenging market”, with consumers increasingly gravitating towards alternative service models. They added that the company will “seek to preserve as many jobs as possible” by transferring sites and staff to other operators where appropriate.
For the 216 employees at the 49 sites earmarked for transfer, TUPE regulations provide a level of legal protection, meaning their terms and conditions of employment should transfer on the same terms to the new owners, subject to the usual consultation and legal processes. However, for those working at sites not included in any sale – and with up to 103 remaining locations still unaccounted for – the picture is far less certain. Staff at those centres face the prospect of redundancy as the wind-down progresses, and many will be watching developments closely in the coming weeks.
For customers, the immediate practical impact will vary depending on location. Those near one of the 49 sites transferring to Formula One Autocentres or Elite Garages can expect continuity of service under new management. For those relying on an ATS Euromaster centre that is simply closing, finding alternative local provision will become a priority, particularly in areas where the chain was one of few national operators present.
Existing warranties, service plans, or prepaid packages held with ATS Euromaster are also likely to come under scrutiny during the wind-down, and customers are advised to contact the company directly to clarify where they stand.
The wind-down proposals reflect a wider strategic realignment by ATS Euromaster’s parent company, Michelin, which has been repositioning its UK presence towards mobile servicing and franchise-style operations, a model better suited to evolving consumer expectations.
The departure of ATS Euromaster marks a significant moment for the UK tyre retail sector. As one of the country’s most recognisable national chains, its exit leaves a considerable gap in the market, one that independents, regional groups, and fast-fit operators will be keenly positioned to fill.
The transactions with Formula One Autocentres and Elite Garages are the clearest early sign of that consolidation already taking shape. Both businesses stand to gain not just additional sites, but established customer bases, local brand recognition, and (in many cases) trained technicians transferring under TUPE.
More broadly, the ATS Euromaster story reflects the pressures mounting across traditional bricks-and-mortar tyre retail. Rising rents, energy costs, and wage bills are squeezing margins at the same time that consumer behaviour is shifting, with more drivers turning to mobile fitting services, online tyre retailers, and comparison platforms that erode loyalty to high-street names.
For the independent sector, this could represent a genuine opportunity. With a major national player stepping back, well-run local operators may find themselves picking up customers who previously defaulted to a familiar chain. The key will be visibility, competitive pricing, and the kind of personal service that larger networks have historically struggled to deliver consistently.
The situation continues to develop, and Tyre News Media will bring you further updates as more sites are confirmed and the wind-down progresses.
Tagged with: ATS Euromaster, Michelin UK, UK fast-fit, tyre retail consolidation, Formula One Autocentres, Elite Garages, TUPE transfer, tyre service centres, SMR market, garage network sales, redundancy risk, mobile servicing
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
