Top 50 Indie Petrogas is growing its UK network with the acquisition of seven freehold and leasehold sites from Shell, and disposed of two sites to Shell in the same deal.

The investment will increase the number of Petrogas UK sites to 23 by the end of January 2012. New site openings are located mainly in the South of England where Petrogas, which trades under the name Applegreen, is based.

Michael O’ Loughlin, managing director for Applegreen UK, said: "Petrogas has been operating in the UK for the past four years, but 2012 is a particularly exciting year for us. We have a strong expansion plan and will look to open a number of Applegreens, while also operating other well-known oil company forecourt retailer brands. The company has a very strong focus on customer service and providing customer value, and this should be apparent across the network. The company is a leading innovator in the forecourt retailing market and we’re looking forward to investing in these sites and improving services."

Petrogas has also signed a 20-year lease agreement to operate James Graven & Sons’ two sites in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. Slade End has already been rebranded Applegreen, while West Park Street will remain BP-branded in accordance with the BP solus agreement.