Building on its commitment to increase minority opportunities throughout the Shell retail network, Motiva Enterprises LLC said The Lewis Group LLP (TLG) will acquire 10 of its Shell-branded convenience stores in the Houston marketer.
“We are proud to be members of the Shell-branded network, and we look forward to expanding our offerings and growing our business across greater Houston,” said Sherman Lewis III, president of TLG. “As members of the National Urban League, we commend Motiva on its commitment to support minority-owned businesses and increase diversity throughout its network of Shell-branded stations.”
Previously this year, Motiva announced a partnership with the National Urban League, in order to encourage qualified minority candidates to seek opportunities in the retail fuels industry. Through this collaboration with the National Urban League, Motiva hopes to advance its existing efforts and progress to achieve more diversity in the network. Lewis said TLG is committed to economic development in the greater Houston area and is a member of the National Urban League, Greater Houston Partnership, NAACP and other local pro development organizations.
As a result of this deal, TLG will sell more than 17 million gallons annually through these Shell-branded locations, and serve as a wholesaler for Shell-branded motor fuels. All 10 sites will continue to operate under the Shell brand. TLG has operated Shell-branded stations throughout the greater Houston area for more than four years, and has consistently increased gasoline volumes at their sites.
“TLG is a proven partner, and has demonstrated great expertise in managing our stations and enhancing the Shell brand in Houston,” said Paul Stanifer, South Region general manager for Motiva. “TLG’s outstanding track record of customer service will serve to strengthen and grow our network.”
This divestment is in line with Motiva’s publicly stated intent to transition company-owned retail assets to wholesale-supplied locations, in an effort to grow the Shell brand in the U.S. and improve the sustainability of the network in the long-term. According to a confidentiality agreement between the parties, the purchase prices cannot be disclosed.
“We look forward to continuing to serve Houston-area motorists and providing them with a consistent supply of gasoline at competitive prices,” Lewis said.
Motiva Enterprises refines and markets branded products through more than 8,000 convenience stores and gas stations in the Eastern and Southern U.S. Shell Oil Company is a 50% owner of Motiva, along with Saudi Refining Inc.
