The international ORLEN network of filling stations, including 421 Benzina ORLEN sites in the Czech Republic, will substantially expand its Slovak presence and enter Hungary. PKN ORLEN has selected four partners through whom it will implement the remedies negotiated with the European Commission as a condition for clearance of its intended acquisition of LOTOS Group. Implementation of the remedies in the retail area would also enable the merged group to expand geographically by exchanging assets in markets that are key to delivering the strategy of the ORLEN Group as a whole. Through the partnership with MOL Group, in Slovakia, ORLEN plans to take 41 stations located across the country. Than with 57 outlets and more than six percent market share, ORLEN will strengthen its position in Slovakia and is willing to continue its expansion and become the second largest network. In Hungary, its white-and-red colours will appear on 144 stations. With more than a seven percent share, ORLEN will become the fourth-largest player in the Hungarian market. It is the major step in strengthening ORLEN Group position in retail segment as well as in increasing the brand awareness in the region.
“This is a watershed moment for the Polish and Central European fuel industry. We are about to finalise the acquisition of LOTOS Group, a deal intended to benefit the entire CEE economy, both companies involved, their respective customers, employees and shareholders. Ever since the process was launched, we have emphasised that the priority is to derive additional benefits from the merger remedies, and we have achieved just that. If the merger is followed through, it would provide an opportunity to ensure supplies of crude oil of sustainably high quality from Aramco. Such international partnerships are crucial to our vision of building the largest multi-utility group in this part of Europe. In the retail area, we have negotiated with our Hungarian partner an asset exchange deal, which will directly advance our plans of geographical expansion by strengthening the retail chain in Slovakia, but also through the entry into a completely new market of Hungary. A part of proceeds from the sale of fuel stations will be applied to acquire 100 new stations across the region, in line with our strategic objectives. The merger between PKN ORLEN and the LOTOS Group will mark the inception of a single strong group capable of delivering environmentally friendly energy to the CEE economy and meeting the challenges posed by the fuel and energy transition,” says Daniel Obajtek, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board.
ORLEN is present on the Slovak wholesale market with 15 percent market share. It entered the Slovak retail market in 2019 and currently runs 16 sites under the Benzina ORLEN brand there. So far, it has acquired new stations from the existing operators and built brand-new outlets from scratch. If the merger of PKN ORLEN and Grupa LOTOS is followed through, ORLEN chain in Slovakia will increase of 41 stations and is willing to continue its expansion and become the second largest network on the market.
In Hungary, in case of finalising the process of merger of PKN ORLEN and LOTOS Group, ORLEN will enter the retail market as well. The local acquisition includes 144 filling stations. The ORLEN chain will become the fourth-largest network in Hungary, with more than a seven percent share. “We aim to enter the Hungarian market with respect to local traditions and determination to persuade local customers that our top-class products and excellent services are an attractive choice and guarantee of quality for them. Our current success in the markets we already operate gives us the necessary self-confidence,” said Tomasz Wiatrak, the ORLEN Unipetrol Group CEO, a subsidiary of PKN Orlen operating on the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian market. He added: “We radically boost competition in the local markets, which will bring benefits both to local customers, tourists, and international transport companies. Now, they can use our modern fuels and popular Stop Cafe concept in even more Central European markets.”
The international multi-utility group, PKN ORLEN, is the largest company in Central Europe. It is present in more than 90 countries worldwide, and more than 50% of its revenues are generated in foreign markets. The Group runs nearly 3,000 filling stations in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Slovakia. ORLEN is a market leader in Poland and the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, the Group includes refining and petrochemical ORLEN Unipetrol Group since 2005 and the Benzina ORLEN network. With 421 filling stations and a share of more than 25%, the chain is a leader in the Czech market. The ORLEN chain offers its customers modern EFECTA fuels with a purifying effect and premium VERVA fuels enhancing the engine performance. It also provides alternative fuels – LPG, CNG, and electricity. Customers can also enjoy a broad portfolio of refreshments within its STOP CAFE concept. In addition, ORLEN issues its fuel cards, EASY and BUSINESS, and operates customer mobile apps.
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