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.
Poland’s 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.
Through the partnership with MOL Group, in Slovakia, ORLEN plans to take 41 stations located across the country. Then, with 57 outlets and more than 6 per cent 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.
“This is a watershed moment for the Polish and Central European fuel industry,” said Daniel Obajtek, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board. “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. […] 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.”
ORLEN is already present on the Slovak wholesale market with a 15 per cent market share. In Hungary, the ORLEN chain will become the fourth-largest network, with more than a 7 per cent 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,” commented Tomasz Wiatrak, the ORLEN Unipetrol Group CEO, a subsidiary of PKN Orlen operating on the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian market. “[…] 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.”
