Shell increases retail presence in UK

Shell U.K. Limited is acquiring 254 petrol retail outlets from Rontec Investments LLP for a reported US$400 million. “The deal with the Snax 24 Consortium fits Shell’s global downstream strategy of pursuing opportunities in selected markets where we see prospects for growth.  This acquisition is Shell’s biggest single expansion of the company’s retail petrol station network in the United Kingdom,” said Mark Williams, Shell downstream director. Most of the new stations added to Shell’s UK network as part of the acquisition are located in the Midlands and South East of England and  fit well with Shell’s existing national network of 1,150 outlets. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, subject to the satisfaction of regulatory and other conditions. (June 23, 2011)