Shell sells Norway downstream businesses to ST1

Shell has signed an agreement with ST1 for the sale of its retail, commercial fuels and supply and distribution logistics businesses in Norway, the company announced on Thursday. 

In addition, Shell’s aviation business in Norway will become a 50-50 joint venture with ST1.

The sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in 2015.

The transaction includes a retail-brand license agreement which will ensure that Shell’s brand remains highly visible in Norway and that high-quality Shell fuels and lubricants products, and the euroShell loyalty card scheme, will continue to be available to customers in the country, according to Shell representatives.

The deal will have no impact on Shell’s other businesses in Norway -- Shell Energy Europe (SEE), Gasnor and upstream, and Shell lubricants will continue to be sold via a macro distributor.

The sale is consistent with Shell’s strategy to concentrate its downstream footprint on a smaller number of assets and markets where it can be most competitive, company officials say. Recent examples include the sale of refineries in the UK, Germany, France, Norway and the Czech Republic, and downstream businesses in Australia and Italy.