Rix Petroleum expands into North West and Wales with strategic acquisition

Family-owned fuel company Rix Petroleum has expanded its UK depot network into North West England and Wales for the first time in its 140-year history.

Parent company J R Rix & Sons completed an acquisition of Wynnstay Fuels, which has depots in Waverton in Chester, and Pwllheli in North Wales, last Thursday, June 21.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, brings Rix Petroleum’s national network to 14 depots, ranging from Aberdeen in the north, to Essex in the south, and from Hull in the east across to Pwllheli.

It means the company, which is headquartered in Hull, has depots in all the regions of England and Scotland, as well as one in Wales, for the first time.

J R Rix & Sons purchased the business from owners Wynnstay and Jeff Kendrick.

Majority shareholder Mr Kendrick, who had successfully run the business for decades, said: “The time has finally come for me to retire but I am delighted to be selling to family-owned business Rix.”

Rory Clarke, managing director of J R Rix & Sons, said the Wynnstay business was a valuable addition to the company’s network.

“There is a lot of synergy between Wynnstay Fuels and Rix Petroleum in terms of values and commitment to customer service, so when we heard Jeff was planning to retire it made sense for us to look to acquire the business.

“From a location point of view, this acquisition gives us a much stronger foothold in North West England and Wales, so we’re delighted we were able to agree a deal and take over the reins from Jeff.”

Ruairidh Beath, regional director for Rix Petroleum, added: “We already sell fuel to customers in Wales through our local business Rix Petroleum (Mercia) which is based in Market Drayton.

“We welcome this opportunity to increase our customer base in the area.”

Wynnstay Fuels currently runs a fleet of eight road tankers.