Following the announcement that ATS Euromaster is pursuing a structured wind-down of its UK operations, the wider tyre and automotive servicing industry has moved quickly, both to absorb former sites and to support the estimated 700 employees whose jobs are now at risk.
The most significant transaction to emerge from the wind-down is Formula One Autocentres' acquisition of 35 of ATS Euromaster's remaining 152 points of sale. The transfers are expected to take place around 18 April 2026, with staff at those locations protected under TUPE regulations, meaning their terms and conditions of employment will carry across to the new operator.
Formula One Autocenters commented:
"We look forward to welcoming the 155 colleagues from ATS into the Formula One Autocentres family." For more infomation contact Amy Hamilton, Internal Recruitment Consultant Amy.Hamilton@f1autocentres.com
Separately, S&M Tyres (trading as Elite Garages) is set to acquire a further 14 sites, with 61 employees transferring as part of that deal.
Together, these two transactions account for 49 sites and 216 employees moving to new operators, offering a meaningful degree of continuity for both staff and customers. Formula One Autocentres has also signalled that it welcomes applications from ATS Euromaster employees at sites not included in any sale, as it looks to strengthen its team across its expanded network, which now exceeds 120 branches nationwide. Customers at acquired sites can expect service to continue under Formula One's fast-fit model, covering tyres, MOTs, brakes, and general servicing.
Up to 40 centres are currently reported to be facing closure without a buyer, leaving those employees in a far more uncertain position.
Halfords has publicly extended a guaranteed interview to all ATS Euromaster staff affected by the wind-down. The offer has been promoted across multiple local markets (including Bishop's Stortford, London suburbs, Wales, and Lancashire) with Halfords directly targeting teams from specific closing ATS sites.
Alex Benton, Talent Acquisition Manager at Halfords, told Tyre News Media: "For those ATS colleagues who are now seeking their next step following today's difficult news, please connect with me directly, we will guarantee an interview for current open vacancies." Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-benton-321a84139/
The company has framed the initiative as both a targeted recruitment drive (in a market it estimates has around 20,000 technician vacancies) and a way to maintain service provision in towns losing their ATS centre. Whilst the offer does not guarantee a job, it provides a clear pathway into roles across Halfords' approximately 639 UK garages, spanning technician, MOT, and service positions, as well as apprenticeships and EV skills development. Halfords has also said its garages will prioritise MOT and service appointments originally booked with ATS where operationally possible.
Beyond the major chain acquisitions, smaller independent operators are also moving to capitalise on the opportunity. Tyrefinders, a south-west England-based independent, has grown its network to seven depots and is being cited within trade commentary as an example of regional independents successfully returning former ATS locations to local ownership. The business represents a broader pattern emerging across the country, with well-run independent operators picking up both sites and customers as the national chain withdraws.
Several other businesses have also come forward with opportunities for ATS Euromaster employees.
Wayne Williams of AC Tyres has highlighted openings for commercial tyre technicians in the Greater Manchester area; interested candidates can contact AC Tyres at info@actyres.co.uk or on 0161 624 4138.
Keltruck Scania is running a 'Training from Other Industries' programme aimed at experienced car, light goods, plant, or agricultural technicians looking to upskill into the HGV sector. Further details are available at keltruck.com/about-keltruck/careers/training-from-other-industries.
Vaculug Limited has also extended a direct offer to former ATS colleagues. The company, which has previously welcomed ATS staff into its team, may have roles available within its service divisions. Those interested are encouraged to contact kelly.stevens@vaculug.com.
The speed with which operators across the industry have moved (whether to acquire sites, recruit talent, or simply put their hand up) reflects how significant ATS Euromaster's exit is for the UK tyre retail landscape. For those directly affected, the options are real and varied: TUPE-protected transfers, guaranteed interview programmes, HGV upskilling, and openings at independents and specialists alike.
Tyre News Media will continue to report on further site confirmations and developments as the wind-down progresses.
Tagged with: ATS Euromaster, Formula One Autocentres, Elite Garages, Halfords, Tyrefinders, Vaculug, Keltruck Scania, AC Tyres, TUPE, tyre retail, UK fast-fit, redundancy, technician recruitment
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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