Total to exit fuels business in Italy, but will expand in lubes
Total and Erg have signed an agreement with the Italian Group API to sell their fuel marketing and refining assets in the TotalErg joint venture (Erg 51%, Total 49%). Following the divestment of the LPG and commercial sales businesses, this third transaction completes the sale of all TotalErg’s assets, for a total amount of around EUR750 million (USD871 million).
In parallel with this agreement, Total is reinforcing its lubricants business in Italy by buying out Erg’s 51% stake in the lubricants activities of the joint venture that will consequently be terminated.
Created in 2010 by merging the Total and Erg activities, TotalErg is the fourth-largest fuel marketer in Italy, a fragmented market where the profitability outlook was not in line with the group’s expectations despite the joint efforts of the two shareholders. The lubricants market, however, does offer satisfactory growth perspectives and this consolidation is in line with the group strategy in this business sector.
“The successful monetization of these mature activities in a challenging market is another example of our active portfolio management strategy in marketing & services. It also helps reduce our refining capacity in Europe while taking advantage of a favorable market,” said Momar Nguer, president, Marketing & Services. “The buyout from Erg of the lubricants activity allows us to focus and expand this high-return business. In addition, we will maintain our presence in the truck refueling business in Italy with our European network AS24, as well as in aviation fuels.”
Total has been present in Italy for 60 years. The group markets aviation and truck fuel, lubricants, additives, special fluids and related services. In addition, it operates the Tempa Rossa oil field, currently under development, and has interests in five other exploration blocks (four of which it operates), all located in the same region of the southern Apennines.
Total affiliates, Hutchinson in materials, Saft in batteries and SunPower in solar panels distribute their products in the country.
Total, based in France, is a global integrated energy producer and provider, a leading international oil and gas company, a major player in low-carbon energies.
