“We continue to innovate, adapt and improve: we continue to focus on the detail and we continue to care,” said Gerald Ronson who recently celebrated 50 years in the retail industrySuzanne Plunkett 2016©. With a mantra of retail is detail Gerald Ronson launched his first Heron branded petrol station in St Albans on 24th March 1966; last week he held a lunch to celebrate his 50-year milestone in retail. “What we created in 1966 was revolutionary,” said Gerald who is now in his late seventies has since built over 1,000 service stations. “Our combination of service, quality and low prices meant that when we opened our first station in St Albans in 1966, we had queues of cars for half a mile waiting to fill up at four shillings and 10 pence (old money) a gallon.” Rontec, which incorporates Snax24, now operates over 220 sites across England and Wales and has a £1 billion plus turnover. It was Ronson’s acquisition of Total UK’s retail network of 810 service stations that signalled his return to the sector in scale. Having made the acquisition, Rontec immediately sold non-core elements – DCC took 300 wholesale sites, the railheads went back to Total with UK pipelines sold to Valero. Shell took 254 retail sites leaving Rontec with 250 sites plus cash. “When I started there were around 38,000 filling stations in the UK; now there are fewer than 9,000, with just four remaining in central London,” said Gerald. “Petrol retailing is in my DNA, and whilst it is my hobby, it is a business that I am deadly serious about,” said Gerald. “I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved but watch this space because our journey is not over yet.”www.rontec.com

A BP branded MRH service station in Cheshire On 11th January 2016, the European Commission approved the acquisition of MRH by Lone Star; the deal concluded on Tuesday.  Dallas-based Lone Star is a global private equity firm that invests in real estate, equity, credit and other financial assets. Since the establishment of its first fund in 1995, Lone Star has organised fifteen private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments totalling approximately $60 billion. As the activities of MRH, which owns and operates fuel service stations in the UK and the Channel Islands, do not overlap with those of Lone Star, the Commission therefore concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns. The transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. In recent years Lone Star has also acquired 89 ‘distressed hotels’ and has since revealed plans to bring these UK hotels together to form a £1 billion company, trading under the name Amaris. The company plans to spend £100 million in renovating the hotels which are in ‘great locations.’FOR MORE ON THE UK RETAIL MARKET – SEE INSIDE OUT IN THE FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS – OUT SOON!www.mrhgb.co.ukwww.lonestarfunds.com

Inter Terminals is now the largest bulk liquid storage provider in Scandinavia with comprehensive facilities on both sides of the Danish Straits As demand for storage outstrips supply, Inter Terminals has made a multi-million Euro investment. The investment is in large ship handling and oil storage at the Asnaes Oil Terminal (AOT) in the Danish Straits, the third most active channel for oil products in the world. Dredging and improvement works at AOT’s main oil quay and an adjacent jetty have resulted in deepening the drafts to 11.5m and 14.2m respectively. The jetties are able to accommodate vessels of Aframax and Suezmax up to 180,000 tonnes.  To match this new loading/unloading capability two tanks at the terminal are being recommissioned, providing an additional 40,000 cubic metres of oil storage. New developments – the installation of mixers/blenders in heated fuel oil and vacuum gas oil (VGO) tanks and radar-based tank gauging technology – at Asnaes are part of an upgrade programme at all four Danish terminals. AOT, one of four coastal oil terminals operated by Inter Terminals in Denmark, is capable of storing 430,000 cubic metres of products, with the other terminals located at Ensted, Stigsnaes and Gulfhavn. The AOT complex occupies a strategic position for international movement of fuel oil destined for Europe, Asia and the USA. Inter Terminals’ most recent acquisition in Sweden strengthens the company’s position on the Baltic still further with four terminals totaling 1.2 million cubic metres at the country’s principal ports of Göteborg, Malmö, Södertälje and Gävle. Occupying prime positions that cover both the west coast and Baltic Sea product flows, the terminals provide specialist storage, handling, and distribution for a diverse range of products including fuel oil, diesel, jet fuel, VGO and bitumen. “Average utilisation rates across our European storage network in the first three quarters of 2015 were 93% compared with 77% for the same period in 2014,” said chief executive Martyn Lyons. “Our ongoing investment in this strategically important location means we’re ready and able to meet the fast changing needs of the market and our customers.”www.InterTerminals.com

OPW has completed the acquisition of Tokheim Group S.A.S.’s dispenser and systems businesses. One of the most recognised brands in the retail fueling industry, Tokheim manufactures fuel dispensers, retail automation systems and payment solutions and hasa presence in Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia-Pacific. “Both Tokheim and OPW have been leaders in the retail fueling industry for more than a century,” said David Crouse, OPW president. “By integrating Tokheim’s advanced line of dispensers and automation systems, the combined business will be able to offer our customers an unparalleled end-to-end fueling solution.” Tokheim is the fifth major acquisition for OPW in the past two plus years, and matches previous acquisitions, including Fibrelite, KPS, Jump, Liquip, of category-leading brands outside the North American market. “OPW’s goal is to bring the very best solutions to our customers in all regions of the world,” said Keith Moye, OPW VP of global marketing. “Our combined product portfolio now comprises the industry’s broadest product offering, enabling us to bring a more complete solution to our customers.” www.opwglobal.com/opw-retail-fueling/tokheim-microsite

Following the acquisition of 78 Esso petrol stations by MRH GB in March last year, a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation has raised concerns. With sites acquired at Brighton and Cambridge being close to other MRH sites in the area, there are fears that a lack of competition could lead to drivers paying higher petrol and diesel prices in these areas. Rather than face a full scale enquiry, the CMA has requested that MRH, which is the UK’s largest petrol station owner and operator with over 450 sites branded Esso, BP or TORQ, seeks an acceptable solution.  The latter is proposing to sell its MRH Girton or Esso City site in Cambridge and its Esso Patcham site in Brighton. The CMA opened MRH’s acceptable solution to public consultation and interested parties had until last Thursday to make their views known. A CMA decision on the MRH proposal is expected in February. assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/…/MRH_full_text_decision.pdf www.mrhgb.co.uk

Greenergy has also reached agreement with Royal Vopak to purchase its one third share in the joint venture that owns Thames Oilport and Thames Enterprise Park. (Shell retains its existing third share). New engineering work carried out at the Thames Oilport will allow the storage of diesel to commence next year Macquarie Capital and Greenergy are to establish Navigator Terminals through acquisition of Royal Vopak’s UK operating storage assets and Greenergy North Tees Behind Navigator Terminals (Navigator) are Macquarie Capital and Greenergy which have partnered to acquire Royal Vopak’s UK storage facilities at West Thurrock on the Thames, Seal Sands at Teesside and Windmill near Cardiff. Simultaneously, Navigator will also acquire the operational storage assets of Greenergy North Tees at Teesside. These acquisitions will give Navigator an initial storage capacity of approximately 1.5 million cubic meters, making it the UK’s largest independent bulk liquid storage provider. Each terminal is strategically located in an area of significant regional demand. “Our participation in Navigator ensures our continued access to the infrastructure assets that currently underpin our UK supply position,” says Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive. “It gives us greater flexibility at these facilities, ensuring we will be best placed to deliver low cost and resilient fuel supply for our customers in the long-term. As an infrastructure investment company, Navigator will also provide a vehicle to fund further infrastructure acquisitions supporting our continued growth in the fuels sector.” Neil Arora, senior managing director, Macquarie Capital said:  “Greenergy is the leading provider of wholesale fuels in the UK and uniquely placed to lead investment in the UK storage sector. We are delighted to partner with Greenergy to establish Navigator Terminals. This transaction is another example of the flexible, partnership capital Macquarie Capital is able to deploy to support clients globally.” There are no plans to change existing operations or management and staff of the terminals. Navigator will continue to provide ongoing fuel, crude oil and chemical storage for a wide range of customers at the terminals. Greenergy will continue as principal customer of Navigator for fuel storage at the West Thurrock and Teesside terminals. Navigator is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety across its operations and will combine the best of Vopak’s and Greenergy’s safety systems and culture at all facilities. As part of the transaction Greenergy has entered into long-term off take agreements with Navigator at West Thurrock, Seal Sands and North Tees, where it currently stores and supplies fuel. In addition, Navigator has committed to build a new diesel pipeline to link the deep water jetty at North Tees with the neighbouring Seal Sands terminal, further integrating these two facilities and increasing operational efficiencies for the benefit of all customers. The acquisitions are scheduled to complete towards the end of the first quarter 2016.www.greenergy.comwww.macquarie.com

“Vianet Fuel Solutions is a natural fit for the Wayne business as it helps further our goal to offer fuel management capabilities to our customers,” said Neil Thomas, chief executive officer at Wayne Fueling Systems. “The Vianet business already has existing customers in the UK, has a knowledgeable team, and has competitive and comprehensive fuel management services which complements our product and services offerings,” added Neil. The UK-based Vianet Fuel Solutions (VFS) includes two main product lines as part of the Wayne acquisition: Fuel Management Services (FMS) and Construction Forecourt Services (CFS). FMS is comprised of real-time wet stock management, asset management and compliance monitoring services. CFS aligns with Wayne’s current UK services business, although provides additional provisions including construction and electrical compliance services and tank lining. “Over the past two years, Vianet has made significant commercial progress and has established a strong reputation in the UK forecourt sector.  This transaction recognises the value which has been created,” noted James Dickson, chairman of Vianet Group plc. “Whilst it will be sad to say farewell to the VFS team, I’m pleased that there’s a great fit with Wayne who will take VFS to the next stage of development and growth.  This is a competitive landscape increasingly dominated by major global players such as Wayne.” The closure of the acquisition is anticipated to occur in first quarter of 2016.

Earlier this month, HKS Holdings completed its acquisition of the Leicestershire-based Brobot Group. The family-owned group has acquired 30 filling stations in three months, taking its total number of sites to just under 60. Following the addition of 23  Brobot sites, the company now stretches from Yorkshire to Surrey; HKS expects annualised turnover to reach £250m, representing growth of over 150%. Brobot was founded by John Bootle in 1978 with a single site at Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray and expanded through acquisitions over the years. John Bootle died tragically early in 1996, following which Brobot continued its successful growth under the chairmanship of his wife, Pat Bootle and her dedicated executive directors, Bridget Smith and Eddie Bright; the latter said the sale was ‘a great fit’ and he wished HKS ‘every success.’ Earlier this year HKS was in 10th position in Forecourt Trader’s Top 50 Indies with Brobot in 11th place; recent acquisitions would now put HKS in 5th  position. “We’re delighted at the addition of the new locations,” said Shane Thakrar, chief executive at HKS Holdings. “We’d like to extend our thanks to the Bootle family, Eddie Bright and Bridget Smith from Brobot for trusting us with the acquisition and taking these sites forward in the future. We look forward to welcoming the new members of our team on board to work alongside our existing committed team of individuals.” HKS, which took the business of the year title at the Midlands Asian business awards, has recently signed a deal with SPAR to brand the majority of its forecourt retail units – Brobot is predominantly Londis – as well as concluding deals with Subway and Costa. www.hksretail.co.uk www.brobot.co.uk www.brobotfuels.co.uk

Staffordshire Fuels, a 32 million litres per year business based at Stone has been acquired by NWF Fuels; a move that will increase the latter’s volume by 8%. Staffordshire Fuels, which was established in 1996, operates a fleet of seven tankers and will continue to operate as a standalone fuel depot. Richard Whiting, the NWF Group’s chief executive said:  “The acquisition is in line with our growth strategy, increases our penetration in Staffordshire and the West Midlands and will be earnings enhancing in the first full year.” Both companies operate as longstanding JET-branded authorised distributors. “Phillips 66 is a long-term fuel supplier to both Staffordshire Fuels and NWF Fuels,” said Mary Wolf, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing. “NWF Fuels has been a JET branded distributor since 1996 and it’s fantastic to see the company continue to go from strength to strength over the years. Just last year Phillips 66 joined NWF Fuels in celebrating the opening of the company’s new Mansfield depot, the latest fuel distribution depot in its strategic expansion plan. The Mansfield depot is supplied by our Humber Refinery. “We would also like to acknowledge the great relationship we’ve had with Staffordshire Fuels over the many years we’ve been working together. We now look forward to building on our relationship with NWF Fuels as the business continues to develop its presence in Staffordshire and the West Midlands following the acquisition of Staffordshire Fuels.” www.nwf.co.uk www.staffsfuels.co.uk

“This deal adds real substance to our operations here,” said Emmet O’Neill. “We believe there’s real scope to develop this business further through innovations like our Re.Store convenience stores and our partnership with Rockets in the years ahead.“ Following the acquisition by Topaz Investments, parent company of Topaz Energy,  the Topaz network will extend to 425 service stations, 162 of which will be company owned, giving the company a presence in all 32 counties on the island of Ireland. Welcoming the decision by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to approve the purchase of Esso Ireland’s fuels and convenience business in Ireland, Emmet O’Neill, chief executive of Topaz Energy said: “In just 10 years, Topaz has successfully taken on and bought out the Irish retail businesses of three of the largest oil companies in the world  – Shell, Statoil and now Esso – to create a truly significant and innovative Irish business and a major Irish employer.” The deal will see Esso Ireland and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ireland ROC and Esso Ireland Manufacturing Company acquired by Topaz.  The deal does not include ExxonMobil’s upstream, chemical and lubricants businesses in Ireland which are unaffected by this transaction. The CCPC has directed that Topaz must dispose of three Esso service stations and also its interest in the Joint Fuels Terminal at Dublin Port. Following the transaction, which is expected to close on 1st December, Topaz will become one of the top 10 largest companies in Ireland with a turnover of approximately €3.5 billion and employing 2,000 staff. Topaz also has divisions in home heating, commercial and aviation fuel supply.www.topaz.ie

Certas Energy retail director, Ramsay MacDonald and cluster manager Senga Mulrine with TV comedian Alexander Armstrong Gulf-branded Carronvale Service Station has received top prize in the Best Forecourt in Scotland (+4 million litres pa) category in the Forecourt Trader awards 2015. “Carronvale is a site we are proud of,” said Colin Levy, retail operations manager at Certas Energy, which operates the flagship petrol forecourt. “Although a large forecourt in a busy location, store manager Derek Paton and his team are still able to provide a personal touch and genuine customer service.  Employees at the site listen to feedback to ensure the product range meets the customers’ needs. Within our growing company portfolio of 23 company-owned sites, Carronvale deserves its standing as our leading forecourt.” “This award is testimony that we deserve our status as the company’s flagship store,” added Derek.

  Olleco announced last week that the company had completed its acquisition of Convert2Green. The UK’s largest converter of used cooking oil and food waste into renewable energy, the acquisition is evidence of Olleco’s continued commitment to achieve its vision of 100% resource recovery for the food industry. Bringing together Convert2Green and Olleco increases the company’s number of depots to 17 across the UK and enables the company to improve efficiencies and coverage to enhance the used cooking oil collection service offered to its customers. The work done by Convert2Green on producing carbon efficient fuels is an exciting addition to Olleco’s range of low carbon bio-liquid fuels and the company working to develop the possibilities of these fuels in the future. Commercial director Adam Baisley said: “We’re delighted to welcome Convert2Green customers and staff to Olleco.  We aim to build on the strong foundation the company has established and extend our reliable and award winning services to our new customers.” Olleco ensures that all of the organic waste it collects is converted into renewable energy and compost; nothing goes to landfill.   www.olleco.co.uk Catch up on the UK’s evolving biofuels market in the September 2015 issue of Fuel Oil News

In recognition of the 4th anniversary of the acquisition of the Stanlow Refinery, Essar Oil UK, whose Ellesmere Port site won its 19th consecutive RoSPA award, made a £7,500 donation to the West Cheshire Foodbank. “The safety, good health and wellbeing of everyone who works at Stanlow is core business for us,” said site manager Jon Mason. Essar Oil UK’s commitment to occupational health and safety at its Ellesmere Port site saw the company win a RoSPA Gold Award for 2015 and the Order of Distinction for 19 consecutive Gold Awards. Representatives of the West Cheshire Foodbank attended the anniversary celebration at Stanlow, receiving over 900 kilos of food donated by employees in addition to the donation. “I’m delighted that we were able to link our anniversary celebrations with support for a charity which is performing such valuable work in our local communities,” said Jon.  “I would like to thank everyone at Stanlow for their personal contributions to such a deserving cause.” “West Cheshire Foodbank is only able to respond to people struggling with food poverty because neighbours are generous,” said reverend Christine Jones, chair of the trustees. “Essar has recognised the on-going local need and the workforce has pulled together to provide significant donations of food and money. When representatives from Foodbank were invited to receive the gifts at Essar’s fourth celebration, we were encouraged by the sense of community and to know there was support and understanding from local business.” Stanlow produces approximately 15% of UK transport fuels, including three billion litres of petrol, 3.5 billion litres of diesel and two billion litres of jet fuel per year. www.essar.com

“Independent fuel retailers don’t want to invest in their own engineering department or facilities management so we provide that service,” says Ian Jacques, the recently appointed group commercial director at the  Eurotank Service Group On 1st August, Eurotank will move to a new group structure in response to changes in the fuel retailing industry and sustained growth outside of the company’s core business in tank maintenance. “With oil companies divesting sites we needed a structure that allowed us to meet the needs of our growing independent dealer customer base,” said Edward Wheeler, group managing director of Eurotank Service Group. Eurotank Environmental, Eurotank Systems, Eurotank Construction and Eurotank Ireland will then come under the umbrella company, Eurotank Service Group. Eurotank Environmental will continue to operate within the core business of tank maintenance and specialist related services. Eurotank’s pump & payment system service division has been merged with Eurotank’s reactive maintenance & vapour recovery system service engineering team and will operate as Eurotank Systems. The construction and installation division now operates as Eurotank Construction, while Eurotank Ireland remains its own entity, providing all of the services offered across the group. “It was critical to us that the independent retailers feel that they’re only dealing with one entity, which is Eurotank,” added Wheeler. “One of our strengths as a business is that we’re a single point of contact for customers. A good example of this is with our pump service contracts, where we maintain pumps, install new pumps, carry out vapour recovery testing, repair manholes, clean tanks and generally maintain the forecourt for customers. The restructure also sees the appointment of Ian Jacques as group commercial director. The former managing director of Scheidt & Bachmann UK has worked closely with Eurotank since 2012, following the formation of the Eurotank/S&B partnership, which saw Eurotank become the service and installation arm of S&B in the UK and Ireland. Eurotank Systems is now the commercial agent and distributer for S&B’s range of dispensers and payment systems in the UK & Irish markets, as well as its field-based technician support.www.eurotank.eu.com