PETRONAS has reached an agreement to sell its entire 74 per cent interest in Engen Limited to Vivo Energy, one of the largest African fuel retail operators and part of multinational energy company Vitol.<\/p>\n
PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik said, \u201cFor almost three decades, Engen has been an important part of the Group\u2019s business portfolio. Recognising the company’s long and illustrious 140-year history, Engen’s strength and capabilities have continued to grow as an award-winning, customer-focused market leader in South Africa. While PETRONAS\u2019 decision to step back and reshape its portfolio is driven by evolving business priorities, we fully appreciate Engen’s potential and acknowledge that this is a necessary move forward to further accelerate its growth. With\u00a0a strong foundation in place, we believe Vivo Energy will not only maintain sound operations for Engen, but also help steer the company through its next phase of growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be remiss of PETRONAS not to place on record our heartfelt gratitude to our Engen colleagues whose unwavering support has enabled us to achieve many milestones together, so we do hope to see them progress in their next phase of growth,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
PETRONAS first acquired shares in Engen in 1996 and became its majority shareholder in 1998. Engen\u2019s primary business is in the marketing of petroleum, lubricants and functional fluids, chemicals and retail convenience services. It currently operates the largest retail footprint with around 1,300 service stations across seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.<\/p>\n
The Phembani Group, PETRONAS\u2019 long-standing partner in Africa and Engen\u2019s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) shareholder, will remain a shareholder in Engen alongside Vivo Energy.<\/p>\n
Engen will continue to execute on its strategy and remains focused on maintaining operational and commercial excellence both during the pre-completion period, and under the stewardship of Vivo Energy post-completion of this transaction.<\/p>\n
PETRONAS was advised by Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co. The transaction is subject to customary conditions precedent including regulatory approvals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"