The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has today opened its enquiry into the anticipated acquisition of Coryton refinery by a consortium comprising Shell, Greenergy and Vopak.

The three companies confirmed at the end of June that they plan to develop and invest in a state-of-the-art import and distribution terminal to be managed by Vopak at the former Coryton refinery site.

A statement from the OFT said: “The Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom.”

Written representations about any competition or public interest issues should be submitted by August 31, 2012 to:

Tom Heideman

Office of Fair Trading

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London EC4Y 8JX

Email: tom.heideman@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Fax: 020 7211 8916

Related articles:

>> Vopak, Greenergy and Shell set out plans for Coryton