One of Galway’s most respected and successful electrical wholesale businesses has entered a new chapter following the acquisition of Peter Curran Electric Limited (PCEL ) by Wolseley Ireland.
The deal marks Wolseley Ireland’s first acquisition in Ireland’s electrical distribution sector and brings a company renowned for its expertise, customer service and industry reputation into one of the country’s largest building services groups.
Founded and developed over the past two decades by Peter Curran and his team, the Galway-headquartered business has become a trusted name among contractors, electricians and industry professionals throughout Ireland. The company has built its reputation on technical knowledge, reliability and long-standing relationships with customers and suppliers alike.
Announcing the acquisition, Wolseley Ireland said the addition of PCEL strengthens its position in the Irish market and enhances its electrical capabilities. The company will continue to operate as a distinct business within the Wolseley Ireland group, which includes Heat Merchants, Tubs & Tiles, Hevac, TubeCo and Bassetts in Northern Ireland.
Importantly, the entire Peter Curran Electric team will remain in place, ensuring continuity for customers while benefiting from the scale, resources and strategic support of the wider Wolseley organisation.
Wolseley Ireland Group Managing Director Mark Lohan welcomed the acquisition, describing PCEL as a highly regarded business with a proven track record.
“We are delighted to welcome Peter Curran Electric Limited to the Wolseley Ireland group,” he said. “PCEL is a highly regarded business with a proven track record, and its strong capabilities align well with our strategic ambitions. We look forward to working closely with the team to build on their success and create new opportunities for growth.”
For founder Peter Curran, the sale represents the culmination of a lifetime spent in the electrical industry.
Speaking to the Advertiser, he said he was “immensely proud” of what had been achieved over the past 20 years.
“I am immensely proud of the company’s achievements and what we have built over the past 20 years, culminating in Wolseley’s interest and now success in acquiring our business, its first in Ireland in the Electrical Distribution Sector,” he said.
Mr Curran said the acquisition reflects confidence in the future of the Irish market, with significant growth opportunities expected in the years ahead.
“The acquisition aligns with Wolseley Group’s long-term outlook in the Irish market, anticipating significant sectoral growth in the coming years, driven by increased levels of house building, Ireland’s accelerating transition to renewable energy solutions and major public and private infrastructure investments across the country.”
He paid tribute to those who helped build the business into one of the most respected names in the sector.
“I am most grateful to our dedicated knowledgeable staff, our loyal customers and our ever-supportive suppliers for making Peter Curran Electric one of the most highly regarded and respected companies in the electrical wholesale industry in Ireland.”
After 50 years in business, Peter Curran will now retire from the company, although he will remain involved in the short term to ensure a smooth transition. Looking ahead, the business will be led by Eamon Dervan as Managing Director and Tommy Curran as Sales Director.
For Galway’s business community, the acquisition marks both the end of an era and the beginning of a promising new chapter for a company that has become synonymous with excellence in electrical wholesale.
