Zuber Issa Applegreen UK deal completes, taking UK forecourt portfolio to 151

EG On The Move, the Blackburn-based fuel retail group, including Fast EV Charging, foodservice, grocery and merchandise, has completed its acquisition of the Applegreen UK network, comprising 98 sites with around 40 foodservice concessions.

TheBusinessDesk.com reported the deal on January 14, a move that takes its estate to 151 petrol stations.

The value of the acquisition is undisclosed.

EG On The Move says this strategic acquisition complements the existing site network and reinforces its commitment to expanding its national footprint across the UK.

Following completion, EG On The Move will nationally own and operate a total of 151 petrol forecourt station locations and a further 209 foodservice concessions along with approximately 40 locations offering customers access to 200+ fast EV charging ports.

The acquisition allows EG On The Move to successfully integrate Ireland-based Applegreen UK’s well-established petrol forecourt stations with its dynamic approach to investment, innovation and operational excellence, it said.

It believes, together, the integrated network will create a retail powerhouse in the independent petrol forecourt sector, offering customers an unparalleled combination of choice and convenience.

As part of this transaction, EG On The Move has also acquired the Applegreen fuel card business and this will further enable the business to strengthen its position in providing tailored fuel solutions to commercial and fleet customers while leveraging the synergies of its existing network as well. 

Zuber Issa, CEO, EG On The Move, said: “We look forward to integrating the Applegreen UK business into EG On The Move. This acquisition is a natural fit, and enables EG On The Move to continue to redefine convenience retail and mobility for our customers, with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

“Also, the 1,142 staff members working at the 98 sites are expected to transfer to EG On The Move as part of the transaction. On completion, our EG OTM family will grow to over 4, 500 colleagues.”

He added: “Customers and stakeholders can expect a seamless transition. Updates on site facilities, retail initiatives, and brand partnerships will be shared in the coming months.

“Our network is poised to deliver enhanced customer experiences that reflect the growing welfare and retail demands of those who travel for work, social reasons or live in the surrounding area.”

EG On The Move was professionally advised and supported throughout the transaction by Cleary Gottlieb, Freeths, Rabobank, PWC, Alvarez & Marsal.

John Diviney, COO Applegreen Europe and CEO Welcome Break, said: “Following completion of this transaction, Applegreen remains committed to the UK market through our majority stake in Motorway Services Area (MSA) operator, Welcome Break, and our growing EV charging business.

Blackburn HQ

“Welcome Break employs more than 6,000 people throughout the UK, where it operates 59 sites, including 34 MSAs, and 31 hotels.”

EG On the Move was founded by Zuber Issa and Imraan Patel as a separate business to EG Group in June last year.

They acquired the 34-forecourt portfolio from EG Group – which Zuber previously founded with brother Mohsin in 2001 – in a £228m deal.

EG On The Move recently signed a new franchise agreement with the Co-op to supply seven newly-built stores. It also works with stores chain Spar.

EG On The Move sites are generally focused on new-build sites that have a number of individual drive-thru buildings, next to a forecourt with a large building and a number of food options inside.

Unusually, fuel is sold under their own brand name, after negotiating with suppliers, putting them in a similar position to the Welcome Break brand.

It also has an emphasis on electric vehicle charging, with the brand EV On The Move replacing EG Group’s EV Point.