Competition gives the green light to Cepsa’s purchase of Ballenoil’s ‘low-cost’ gas station network
The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) has authorized in the first phase with commitments the purchase by Cepsa of the Ballenoil service station networkthe market leader in so-called gas stations low costwhich currently has more than 220 establishments in Spain and a plan to reach 500 in 2027.
Specifically, the commitments set by the regulator to Cepsa for the closing of the operation represent the divestment in four of Ballenoil’s points of sale.
With this acquisition, announced in November last year, the energy company controlled by Mubadala and Carlyle expands its service station business, thus exceeding 2,000 gas stations in the Iberian market -about 1,500 of them in Spain- and has consolidated itself as the second operator in the national market, only behind Repsol, which has more than 3,300 points of sale.
In recent years, Cepsa had been increasing its network of service stations with small acquisitions, such as those of the IS-XXI company or those of the Villanueva, Mateo and Paz groups -consolidating its presence in specific areas-, but never in an operation like that of Ballenoil’s size.
Cepsa indicated that it will maintain the Ballenoil brand, as well as its business model and current structure, to consolidate its position in the segment. low cost and offer the market a range of fuels with economical prices that facilitate mobility in a context of high volatility in energy prices, higher inflation and strong growth in demand for the ‘low cost’ model.
In addition, according to the agreement, the Ballenoil station network will develop a growth plan to reach 500 stations in 2027. Likewise, the company led by Maarten Wetselaar aims to make Ballenoil the reference in terms of sustainability in the ‘low cost’ segment, for which it will progressively strengthen the offer of electric charging points and incorporate the sale of biofuels.
