Esso distribution network passes into Italian hands
Agreement signed for the sale from Eg Italia, owner of around 1,200 points of sale, or 6% of the national network, to a consortium of operators
by Nino Amadore
2' min read
2' min read
The Esso brand distribution network, hitherto controlled by foreign capital, passes into Italian hands. An agreement was signed in Rome for the sale from Eg Italia - owner of about 1,200 outlets, equal to 6% of the national network - to a consortium of operators made up of Pad Multienergy, Vega Carburanti, Toil, Dilella Invest and Giap. Most of the approximately 1,200 sales outlets, reads the Eg Italia website, are operated by dealers, while a small number of sites are managed by the EG Group with appointed partners.
The EG Group, headquartered in Blackburn, England, is one of the world's leading independent convenience food retailers with an extensive network of sites in international markets in North America, Europe and Australia, and had acquired Esso shops in 2018: it is present in nine countries and had revenues of $24.2 billion in 2024. In Italy, the group also has the Carrefour Express, Burger King and Caffè Vergnano brands, as reported on its website.
"The acquisition of EG Italia makes it possible to bring back control of a strategic asset, such as the network of 1,200 service stations for the distribution of fuel and roadside services (convenience stores, catering services), into the hands of private national operators, leaders in their reference territories," explain Agostino Apa and Enrico Zampedri on behalf of the Consortium. The operation, which is unique in terms of its approach in the history of our sector, shows how new challenges stimulate the creativity and adaptability of our companies, which have created an alliance capable of finalising this otherwise impossible project'.
Pad Multienergy SpA (Brescia) is owned by the Zani Ondelli and Petrolini families; Vega Carburanti Spa (Mestre) by the Vianello family; Toil Spa (Naples) by the Toti family; Dilella Invest Spa (Bari) by the Dilella family; Giap Srl (Modica) by the Minardo family.
'The transaction,' reads a note, 'will make it possible to generate new and fundamental synergies for the development of the network with the expansion of the services offered, also with a view to the energy transition, but above all it will make it possible not to disperse the heritage of know-how and skills of the EG Italia organisation, heir since 2018 to the Esso Italiana culture.
