GB Oils has completed the acquisition of certain oil distribution assets that were previously owned by Total in Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands from Rontec Investments.

This includes the contracts to supply fuels to the 320 Total-branded dealer-owned service stations supplying approximately 710mlpa.

Keith Jewers, director of Gulf Retail, which is owned by GB Oils, said: “The acquisition further strengthens the position of GB Oils across the country; increasing its operational and depot infrastructure and enhancing its ability to attract and serve existing and new customers throughout the market.

“We welcome all Total dealers to the GB family; we promise you a smooth transition and look forward to building close working relationships in the months ahead. For Gulf dealers it remains business as usual; nothing changes although we are optimistic that the increased size of the business will enable us to further improve the support package available to Gulf dealers in due course.”

The oil distribution business in England and Wales, with a network of 40 depots, is to be rebranded Butler Fuels with immediate effect. However, while the Office of Fair Trading completes a competition review, the business will operate separately from the GB Oils business.

Bob Taylor, previously general manager for GB Oils, has been appointed director of Butler Fuels and will be responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the Butler business.

Once the OFT is satisfied there is appropriate competition in the operating areas, Butler Fuels will then be integrated into GB Oils. “In the meantime, as it is operating as a separate business, we cannot discuss or share any commercial or confidential information with the Butler business,” said Jewers. “This includes details of customers, pricing, margins or sales opportunities. Therefore both businesses must continue to compete head-to-head against each other for customers and new business.”

Though Butler Fuels is to operate separately, the oil distribution businesses on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are to be integrated into GB Oils. They will, however, be rebranded Ellen Vallin Fuels Limited on the Isle of Man, and Channel Islands Fuels on the Channel Islands.

GB Oils has also completed the acquisition of Pace Fuelcare Ltd, following clearance from the Office of Fair Trading on September 27, 2011.

Operating in the South of England, Pace supplies fuel to commercial, agricultural and domestic customers, as well as independent and Pace branded retail forecourts.

Paul Vian, managing director of GB Oils, said: “This acquisition will further strengthen our position in the Southern region; increasing our operational and depot infrastructure and enhancing our ability to attract and serve existing and new customers throughout the market.”

Phillip Wharton will continue in his role as general manager of Pace Fuelcare.

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