IRISH bookmaker BoyleSports has expanded its presence in the north by acquitting six betting shops from Gregory Hughes.
The Dundalk-headquartered chain announced the acquisition of HughesBet outlets in Dungannon, Coalisland and Newry on Monday, bringing to 45 the number of shops it owns in Northern Ireland.
Originally founded Co Armagh in 1982 by John Boyle, the company has grown into Ireland’s largest independent retail bookmaker, with a staff of more than 2,500.
In January, it announced a deal to purchase 33 shops from William Hill in the north. The deal also included two outlets in the Isle of Man.
Conor Gray, chief executive of BoyleSports said: “Since BoyleSports founder and chairman John Boyle opened his first shop at Markethill, Armagh in 1982, it has been our ambition to develop a meaningful retail presence in Northern Ireland.
“The purchase of the HughesBet chain of shops demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Northern Ireland market.”
Last month also saw BoyleSports announce a kit sponsorship deal with Larne Football club, its first such deal in the north.
The company said all the new stores will be rebranded as BoyleSports outlets, with plans to carry out upgrades “to bring them up to the industry-leading standard which BoyleSports customers have come to expect and enjoy”.
