INTERNATIONAL private equity firm TDR Capital has invested £1.3 billion in fast-growing Blackburn petrol and retail forecourt operators Euro-Garages.

The huge investment will help finance the ambitious expansion plans of the firm founded and owned by brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa.

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The firm, which has its headquarters at Euro House on the Beehive Trading Park in Haslingden Road, earlier this year bought more than 170 sites acquired over the last few months.

It also purchased 48 forecourts from Exxon Mobil’s Esso unit last year.

Founded in 2001, it is now one of the largest independent forecourt operators in the UK with a portfolio of more than 350 sites across the country, including petrol stations and related shops.

It also operates the Rivington services on the M61.

London-based TDR Capital, which owns rival company European Forecourt Retail Group, this week announced its move to take a minority stake in the firm.

The Issa brothers will continue to manage the group and will remain majority shareholders.

The deal extends TDR’s involvement in petrol forecourt retailing in the UK and Europe.

The deal was brokered by one of the UK’s biggest commercial law firms Eversheds.

One of it’s partners Daniel Hall said: “This deal underlines one of Britain’s biggest business successes recently, and has propelled Euro-Garages to become one of Europe’s leading fuel retailers.

“As a team we are delighted to have helped Mohsin and Zuber achieve their ambitious growth plans.

“It was a pleasure to work together and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Mohsin Issa said: “We have been very impressed with the commitment and professionalism of the Eversheds team who worked on this deal.

“They delivered quickly and efficiently, a testament to the firm’s effective leadership and a strong work ethic demonstrated by all.”

Euro-Garages currently manages sites under the BP, Esso and Shell fuel brands and has developed strong partnerships with brand partners including Starbucks, Subway, Burger King, Spar and Greggs.

Euro-Garages is currently investing in its existing and newly-acquired sites with refurbishments and improvements.

During the financial year 2013 to 2014, the business reported revenues of £646 million.