Rubis is a market leader in France, Switzerland, Bermuda, Jamaica, Madagascar, Morocco and Senegal/file
NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 13 – French downstream fuel industry group, Rubis Energie is finally taking over KenolKobil in Sh36 billion transaction, placing it as the largest foreign direct investment deal in the recent past.
The transaction has seen Rubis receiving acceptance for shares, raising its stake in Kenolkobil to 97.6 per cent. The shareholders who took up the Rubis offer are currently receiving their payments.
The French firm has begun its walk towards acquiring the remaining shares in KenolKobil representing 2.4% of the issued shares of the company by way of compulsory acquisition as provided for in the Companies Act. Upon completion, the Nairobi Securities Exchange(NSE) will receive an application from the Capital Markets Authority(CMA) effectively de-listing KenolKobil.
KenolKobil has now appointed two new directors to its board, Mr Christian Cochet and Mr Gilles Kauffeisen both with vast in downstream oil and gas sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Rubis Energie, Christian Cochet, said that the deal, its maiden investment in East Africa is a vote of confidence in the Kenyan economy, which is a gateway into the East and Central Africa region, and the conclusion of the deal coincides with the state visit of President Macron of France to Kenya. Rubis is keen to play a major role in improving trading and investment relationships between Kenya and France
“This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to the downstream fuel industry in Kenya and the East African region. It illustrates our faith in the potential of the company and the East and Central African economies. We expect to grow KenolKobil’s business and continue to improve the offering to KenolKobil customers and employees. We are very excited about the prospects for the business.” Mr Cochet added.
The smooth transition takeover of KenoKobil places Kenya as the 36th market in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, where Rubis has operations. Rubis is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.
As a subsidiary of Rubis, KenolKobil will adopt Rubis Group’s financial and operational policies, as well as global quality and service provision standards. The company will also enjoy access to the group’s global experience and expertise in infrastructure, transport and supply service.
The Group Managing Director of KenolKobil, David Ohana, said, “This development is great for the company, employees, the entire value chain and stakeholders. It will significantly boost the firm’s capacity in areas such as storage, new stations, equipment, retail offerings, IT, operations and human capital.’’.
“Our intention is to provide robust competition within Kenya’s downstream fuel industry, improve profitability for the benefit of the entire value chain and the economy. While the downstream fuel industry is robust, further innovation, scale, systems and strong distribution networks will greatly benefit the region,” Mr Ohana added.
