Shell agrees proposed sale of French fuel stations to DCC Energy, source says

Shell to Sell French Fuel Station Network to DCC Energy in Strategic Shift

Shell’s Strategic Divestment of French Fuel Stations

By Stephanie Kelly and Dimitri Rhodes

Overview of the Proposed Sale

LONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Shell has agreed a deal with Dublin-based DCC Energy for the proposed sale of its network of fuel retail stations and related transport-fuels services in France, according to a person familiar with the matter and documents seen by Reuters.

Shell’s Focus on Key Markets

The agreement comes as Shell aims to focus its fuel retail and charging operations on key markets where it generates the majority of its cash flow, including the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

Deal Timeline and Details

The parties have yet to finalise the deal, although completion is expected in the second quarter of 2027, subject to consultation with employee representatives, the document showed. The transaction would include around 70 sites, eight LNG installations and the transfer of 35 employees, the document showed. 

Shell’s Official Statement

"Shell is considering a sale of its retail forecourts business in France," Shell told Reuters, adding that it would not comment further at this stage.

DCC Energy’s Role and Operations

DCC Energy, a sales and distribution company in Europe and the US, serves millions of customers across the industrial and public sectors and delivers off-grid energy solutions, led by liquid gas, the company's website said. It also operates service stations and fleet services. 

Branding and Fuel Supply Arrangements

DCC Energy would operate the stations under a long-term Shell brand licence, the document showed. However, Shell's core fuel supply operations are excluded, meaning the buyer would source its fuel independently.

Financial Aspects of the Deal

The monetary value of the deal could not immediately be determined.

Shell’s Marketing Unit Performance

Shell's marketing unit, which includes its fuel and charging retail stations, reported $1.3 billion in adjusted earnings in the second quarter this year, compared with $1.2 billion during the same time last year. 

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly and Dimitri Rhodes; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Louise Heavens)