Portsmouth workers among 700 jobs at risk at ATS Euromaster after 'sad' closure announcement
Over 700 jobs are at risk after a “sad” announcement that a major UK car and van fast-fit business is winding down its operations.
Portsmouth workers at ATS Euromaster are seemingly facing redundancy after the firm announced proposals to begin a structured UK wind-down.
The move comes after the closure of 86 of its most unprofitable centres in 2025 failed to halt significant financial losses in a market experiencing over-capacity, rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour.
Centres in Petersfield, Basingstoke and Lymington closed last year with remaining Hampshire garages in Aldershot, Andover, Eastleigh, Fareham and the Sharps Close centre in Portsmouth now set to join them.
However, with a longstanding reputation for “quality and outstanding customer service”, two buyers have expressed an interest in acquiring part of the network. “The decision has been taken to pursue these opportunities with the primary aim of preserving as many jobs as possible,” a company spokesperson said.
ATS Euromaster is proposing to sell 35 of its 152 garages to Formula One Autocentres and 14 garages to S&M Tyres, which trades as Elite Garages. The Winchester centre is among those to be transferred to Elite Garages while Chichester will be transferred to Formula One Autocentres.
If the sales go through then 216 employees across the 49 sites are expected to transfer to the new owners under TUPE regulations.
It means that 703 roles will be placed at risk of redundancy across the Aston-based head office, call centre and remaining 103 garages if the proposals proceed.
The spokesperson added: “Following these sales, it will no longer be viable for ATS Euromaster to operate, as the reduced scale of the network would lack the geographic reach to compete effectively in the UK. The potential closures only affect ATS Euromaster, and no other part of the Euromaster Group.”
Nick Harley, group managing director of Euromaster UK, said: “The announcement marks an extremely sad and difficult moment for everyone in the company. We recognise the impact this will have on our colleagues, their families, and the communities ATS Euromaster serves, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly.
“Despite the team’s massive efforts to reshape the business, improve financial performance, and secure a sustainable future, a combination of intense market competition, sluggish activity within the sector and rising costs have left us with no viable path forward to a break-even position.
“Our number one priority now is to treat every employee fairly and respectfully, fully appreciating that many have enjoyed long careers with us. Colleagues transferring to the new owners will do so with continuity and stability, while those in locations proposed for closure will be supported through collective consultation.”
A comprehensive package of support for staff will be agreed as part of the collective consultation process, including access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and specialist outplacement support.
It is proposed that 13 staff in the specialist role of mobile night technician will be invited to transfer under TUPE to Tructyre, a separate Euromaster Group business which offers a 100 per cent mobile tyre service for the UK’s truck, trailer, bus and coach markets. All current and upcoming vacancies within Tructyre will also be offered to ATS Euromaster staff as a priority to avoid some compulsory redundancies.
ATS Euromaster garages cited for potential closure will remain open throughout the period of consultation, which will run until 30 April 2026. If proposals proceed, the final day of trading for all points of sale would be 1 May 2026.
The business is reassuring both customers and suppliers that it plans to follow a structured process to ensure commitments are met during the wind-down period and ensure a smooth and orderly transition.