FUEL Supplies, the Channel Islands distributor for Shell products, has been acquired by international fuel storage and distribution company Rubis.

The £20 million acquisition includes the network of 27 retail service stations, commercial fuels and heating oil and associated services, and marine lubricants.

It also provides Paris-headquartered Rubis with a key position in the aviation fuel supply business locally.
The sale, which is subject to regulatory approval, represents around 30% of the total Channel Island fuel market, which pro-duced a total annual turnover for 2007 of £48 million.

Fuel Supplies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell Distributors UK, which has been in business since 1955.
Rubis say that the acquisition meets the group’s criteria in terms of strategic development, with a strong market share and logistical asset base securing the company a long-term competitive position and growth prospects.