Paddy Power and BoyleSports acquire more betting shops in Ireland as both aim to expand services and market presence in the country.

Paddy Power has been approved by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to acquire six Mulholland Bookmakers licensed betting offices (LBO), bringing its Irish estate to more than 230 shops.

The acquisition targets Mulholland LBOs located in Galway, Oranmore, Mervue, Claregalway, College Road and Dominick Street.

A privately-owned family firm John Mulholland Bookmaker is on the verge of major restructuring and has been approved by the CCPC to sell a number of shops. The Mulholland brothers Alan and Eddie plans to retain and continue to operate seven shops in Galway and Mayo.