OMV operates the second largest fuel network in Slovenia with 20 % share, behind Petrol, who has some 60 % share with 318 petrol stations. Representatives of the company said that Petrol is not interest in the acquisition of OMV’s stations.
The announcement of Austrian OMV on the sale of 92.25 % stake in OMV Slovenia, which operates 120 petrol stations in the country, has attracted interest from many potential bidders. Last week, Polish PKN Orlen expressed interest in the acquisition, while Hungarian MOL, Azeri SOCAR and Russian Lukoil are also among interested companies.
Last week, representatives of PKN Orlen said that the company will analyze all potential acquisitions in the region. SOCAR, who acquired 82 petrol stations in Austria in 2019, is seen as potential buyer, as well as Lukoil, who entered the Croatian market with the acquisition of Crobenz in 2010. There is also MOL, who operates some 50 petrol stations in Slovenia.
In early February, Austrian OMV Group said that it is planning to divest its business operations in Slovenia as a part of 2 billion euros asset disposal program aimed to reduce group’s gearing ratio. With its limited integration within the downstream oil value chain, the divestment of the business operations in Slovenia represents a further step in OMV’s portfolio optimization. OMV currently operates 120 petrol stations in Slovenia under OMV, Eurotruck, Avanti and Diskont brands.
