Hungarian oil and gas company MOL announced the acquisition of 100 % of Normbenz Slovakia from Normeston Group Cyprus Limited by Slovnaft (through sale of shares) consisting of 16 Lukoilpetrol stations in Slovakia. Also, it acquired 9 restaurants in Hungary, which operate under the Marche brand, from Marche International AG.
The agreements are part of the Group’s updated long-term strategy “Shape Tomorrow” which places particular emphasis on the development of the consumer services segment.
Executive Vice President for Consumer Services Segment Reter Ratatics said that the continuous development of food and non-food offerings in petroll stations, as well as the expansion of the network are part of MOL’s updated strategy and support the goal of becoming a regional leader in the retail sale of fuels and daily shopping. The addition of the 16 Lukoil petrol stations in Slovakia gives MOL the opportunity to expand its presence in this country and to introduce the Fresh Corner concept in the new Slovnaft stations. The acquisition of the company that operates Marche restaurants in Hungary also creates new prospects for MOL, as it can complement the gastro offering and reach a wider audience with its retail services. Seven of the nine restaurants purchased from Marche International have been an integral part of MOL petrol stations for more than 10 years.
Portfolio of Normbenz consists of 16 Lukoil petrol stations in Slovakia, with a national coverage. The stations perfectly complement the country’s Slovnaft network, which currently consists of 254 petrol stations. The network will continue to operate under the Slovnaft brand. Slovnaft also intends to introduce the Fresh Corner concept after takeover, with the best quality gastro products and other services that are already part of the offer marketed through the Slovnaft network.
