ATS Euromaster, the well-known tyre and fast-fit workshop chain, has announced it will wind down its UK operations after facing persistent financial losses, placing more than 700 jobs at risk and closing a chapter in British automotive history. The decision, confirmed on February 19, 2026, follows years of cost-cutting efforts, including the closure of 86 of its least profitable service centres in 2025, which ultimately failed to stem the financial bleeding.
The company, owned by Michelin, is proposing a partial sale of its network as a last-ditch effort to preserve as many jobs as possible. According to statements from ATS Euromaster and coverage by outlets like Express and Daily Star, the plan involves selling 35 of its 152 UK workshops to Formula One Autocentres and a further 14 sites to S&M Tyres, which operates as Elite Garages. If these transactions are completed, 216 employees across the 49 sites are expected to transfer to the new owners under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations, offering a measure of continuity and security for those affected.
However, the remaining 703 employees—spread across the company’s Aston-based head office, call centre, and the 103 other points of sale—face an uncertain future, as their roles are now at risk of redundancy. Nick Harley, group managing director of Euromaster UK, described the situation as “an extremely sad and difficult moment for everyone in the company.” He emphasized, “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.”
The scale of the proposed sales would effectively shrink ATS Euromaster’s UK footprint to a point where, as the company put it, the “reduced network would lack the geographic reach to compete effectively in the UK.” The company has made it clear that after these transactions, it would no longer be feasible to continue operations. This move only affects the UK arm of ATS Euromaster and does not impact other parts of the wider Euromaster Group.
Richard Whittemore, managing director at Elite Garages, underscored the significance of the acquisition, stating, “The acquisition of these 14 ATS Euromaster locations marks a significant milestone for our family business. We will work closely with ATS Euromaster to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for all employees, and we look forward to welcoming these new colleagues into the team. Together, we will ensure ongoing service for existing customers while continuing to grow each location through investment in recruitment, equipment and training.” With these new sites, Elite Garages’ portfolio will expand to 38 vehicle repair centres, and both parties are working towards a TUPE transfer date of April 18, 2026.
For those not transferring to new owners, ATS Euromaster has pledged to offer a support package as part of the collective consultation process. This includes access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme and specialist outplacement support to help affected staff navigate the transition. The company is also proposing that 13 staff in mobile night technician roles be invited to transfer under TUPE to Tructyre, a separate Euromaster Group business specializing in mobile tyre services for lorries and commercial vehicles. Furthermore, ATS Euromaster staff will be prioritised for current and upcoming vacancies within Tructyre in an effort to minimize compulsory redundancies.
Despite these efforts to cushion the blow, the overall mood remains sombre. Harley shared, “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.”
The company has outlined a clear timeline for the wind-down process. All sites earmarked for potential closure will remain open during the consultation period, which is scheduled to run until April 30, 2026. If the proposals proceed as planned, the final day of trading for all ATS Euromaster points of sale would be May 1, 2026. The business has committed to following a structured wind-down process to meet its commitments to customers and suppliers and to support an orderly transition.
The decision to wind down comes after years of mounting challenges. ATS Euromaster had already earmarked 86 service centres for closure in 2025 as part of a broader review, but this move failed to halt the company’s losses. The business cited a combination of over-capacity in the market, rising operational costs, and shifting consumer behaviour as key factors behind its inability to break even. Harley was candid in his assessment, stating that competition and escalating costs have left the firm with “no viable path forward” to profitability.
As for the company’s legacy, ATS Euromaster has deep roots in the UK automotive sector. Established in 1965 after Michelin acquired a number of independent garages to form Associated Tyre Specialists, the business expanded in 1974 with the acquisition of 70 centres from the tyre brand Uniroyal. The Euromaster name was trademarked in 1991, and with ATS joining the network, the UK operation became known as ATS Euromaster. Over the decades, it became a familiar presence on British high streets and industrial estates alike.
For the broader industry, the closure of ATS Euromaster’s UK operations marks a significant shift, reflecting the pressures facing traditional automotive service providers in a rapidly changing market. The rise of new competitors, evolving customer expectations, and the ongoing transition towards electric vehicles and digital service models have all played a role in reshaping the landscape.
While the company’s exit is undoubtedly a blow for employees and loyal customers, the partial sale of sites to Formula One Autocentres and Elite Garages offers a glimmer of hope that some jobs and services will be preserved. The new owners have signaled their intent to invest in the acquired locations and support transitioning staff, which may help soften the impact in affected communities.
As the consultation period unfolds and the final decisions are made, those with ties to ATS Euromaster—whether as employees, customers, or business partners—face a period of uncertainty and change. The company’s commitment to supporting its staff and ensuring an orderly transition stands as a testament to its long-standing values, even as it prepares to close its doors after more than six decades in the UK market.
The story of ATS Euromaster’s wind-down is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the business world, especially in sectors where competition is fierce and margins are thin. For now, all eyes remain on the outcome of the consultation and the future of the hundreds whose livelihoods hang in the balance.