Irish independent bookmaker, Boylesports, has expanded its land-based network in the country to over 200 sites after it acquired six outlets from Tully Bookmakers for a reported €2 million.

The bookmaker agreed to purchase half of Tully Bookmakers’ retail betting inventory. Boylesports will redesign and redevelop the purchased bookmaker stores in-line with the company’s retail layout.

Boylesports spokesperson said that staff working in the six sites are not in any danger of losing their jobs and that the bookmaker plans to take on additional employees to support the expansion.

“The acquisition brings us to 205 stores which brings us over 200 stores for the first time. We are going to invest significantly in the new shops, invest in new tech and bring them up to a modern standard,” said a Boylesports spokesman.

“We are delighted with this acquisition which allows us to significantly grow in the South East. We look forward to extending Boylesports’ industry-leading suite of products to existing Tully customers in the region,” said CEO and Founder of Boylesports John Boyle.

Boyle also said in a recent interview with the Irish Independent that the company was close to the limits of its expansion in Ireland and a UK move “would be one of the next steps.”

Paddy Power had also been linked with a potential acquisition of the six sites but a spokesperson for the bookmaker declined to comment in the deal.