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CMS assists MOL in acquiring 208 filling stations in three CEE countries

Today Hungarian oil and gas company MOL Group issued the following press release concerning its acquisition of 208 filling stations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. Law firm CMS provided legal advice to MOL on the transaction in all three countries.

MOL Group Acquires 208 Filling Stations in Three CEE Countries

• MOL Group’s retail network grows to almost 2,000 service stations across 11 countries
• The Group’s market presence expands significantly in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania
• Retail network expansion further strengthens MOL Group’s leading role in CEE 

Today, MOL Group announced the sale-purchase agreement with Eni for its downstream businesses in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania, including retail network (currently under Agip brand). This step contributes greatly to the Group’s Downstream strategy of increasing retail market presence, country coverage and customer base. The take-over of Eni’s wholesale business in the given countries is also part of the agreement.

In line with its growth strategy, MOL Group announces the acquisition of Eni’s retail network in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. By the integration of these networks, MOL Group targets further pronounced wholesale and retail synergies, quality enhancements in products and services, as well as operational excellence.

“This acquisition is a milestone in our retail growth strategy in CEE. The average throughput of the acquired service stations is in the top three among branded players in the Czech fuel retail market. Moreover, MOL Group becomes the second largest retail player in terms of network share on the Czech market. The group significantly increases its retail coverage in Romania and makes a great step to further enhance Slovnaft’s brand perception in Slovakia.” – said Lars Höglund, Senior Vice President of MOL Group Retail.

MOL Group’s position in the Czech Republic will be greatly strengthened by this acquisition: 125 new service stations together with Slovnaft’s 24 and PAP Oil’s 125 stations, will grant MOL Group a retail market share exceeding 10%. Furthermore the average throughput of the total acquired network is almost twice as high as the national average.

In Slovakia, the total network size will reach 253 stations. Additionally, the newly acquired 41 service stations further improve Slovnaft´s average throughput and customer value proposition.

In Romania, the acquisition is a major step for MOL Group in achieving its strategic plan to increase its market share. As a result of integrating the 42 acquired service stations, MOL Romania will reach a network of 189 units, placed in high traffic and premium locations, thus the Group will realize its growth targets in the Romanian fuel retail market and will further increase its network coverage.

The acquisition package also includes the wholesale activities as well as taking over the management of the headquarters.

MOL has also agreed to purchase Eni’s stake in Ceska Rafinerska (CRC); however, Unipetrol the majority owner of CRC possesses pre-emption right connected to the sale of the CRC shares.

Completion of the deal is subject to the fulfilment of certain pre-conditions, among others obtaining of the necessary antitrust clearances.

http://www.mol.hu/en/about_mol/news_media_centre/news_releases/2014/mol_group_acquires_208_filling_stations_in_three_cee_countries/     
 
 
For further information, please contact:

Erik Werkman
Head of Business Development and Marketing, Prague
T +420 296 798 701
E erik.werkman@cms-cmck.com