Bulgaria OKs Shell’s Filling Station Scheme

The Commission for Protection of Competition of Bulgarion (CPC) stated that it granted approval to fuel retailer Shell Bulgaria to acquire control of five filling stations by way of a ten-year lease agreement with their owners – local companies Stella-Aruzh, Europetrol, and Europetroyl.

The notified transaction will not result in the establishment, or strengthening, of dominant position on the local fuel retail market, the competition authority stated in a decision published on its website last week. The filling stations are located in Yambol, Nesebar, Pomorie, and Stara Zagora.

Stella-Aruzh and Europetrol each own two of the five filling stations, while Europetroyl owns one. The three companies, all based in the coastal city of Burgas, are owned by private individual Zhecho Marinov.

Through the deal Shell Bulgaria aims to improve the quality of car fuels and services it provides to end customers, as well as to generate sufficient returns to keep high investment levels, the CPC also stated.

The regulator’s decision can be challenged before court by July 15.

Last week, the competition authority gave the green light to Shell Bulgaria to acquire a 2,211 square meter filling station located in Pazardzhik municipality from local company ET Universalstroy.

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.