Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) to buy Coles’ (ASX:COL) fuel business

Petroleum products manufacturer, Viva Energy Group Limited (ASX:VEA), on Wednesday (21 September 2022), shared that it has entered into an agreement with Coles Group Limited (ASX:COL) to acquire its fuel and convenience retailing business – Coles Express.

With this acquisition, the company plans to become a leading integrated fuel and convenience network in Australia.

With the acquisition of this transaction, the fuel and convenience alliance between the parties, which was due to end in 2029, would terminate immediately.

Key highlights of the transaction

• With the acquisition of the transaction, Viva Energy would operate and own 710 Coles Express sites.
• According to Viva’s release, the energy company would acquire Coles Express for AU$300 million. After considering the existing fuel stock payable from 2019 and working capital benefits, the net impact is AU$143 million.
• Reportedly, Viva Energy would fund the transaction via existing debt facilities and cash reserves.
• The transitioning from Coles express to Viva Energy would occur over time. As per the agreement, ‘Coles’ will be removed from sites over 3.5 years.
• Parties would enter into a Merchant Payment Services and Product Supply agreement to supply Coles branded products and maintain the payment infrastructure at the site.
• The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, subject to ACCC and FIRB approval.

A multi-year strategic partnership between Coles and Viva

Coles informed the market that it has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Viva Energy so that Coles Express and Coles customers continue enjoying loyalty benefits and customer offers which they currently enjoy at the Coles Express site.

Under the partnership, Coles’ customers could access four cents per litre fuel docket. Also, the customers would continue to earn and redeem points across the Flybuys Program.

Management Commentary

Scott Wyatt, CEO and managing director of Viva Energy, commented:

Share performance of Viva Energy and Coles

At 10:58 AM AEST, Viva Energy shares were spotted trading at AU$2.76 apiece, 4.94% higher than the previous close. Around the same time, Coles' share price was up 0.030% to trade at AU$16.76 per share.