Certas Energy has bought forecourt sites in England for the first time in a deal that will see 13mlpa of retail volume moving to Gulf from Texaco.

It has struck a deal with Petromex Forecourt Services to acquire two sites, Millbrook Way in Preston and Canal Head in Ulverston, with a third, Harwood Bar, also in Preston, secured on a long-term dealer supply agreement. Certas said the acquisition signals a step change as the existing portfolio of 26 sites run by Certas forecourt staff are all in Scotland. "Year-on-year we have been growing our business across the UK and this presented a perfect opportunity to create three flagship Gulf forecourts in the north of England," said Certas retail director Ramsay MacDonald.