Emmanuel Ukudolo
March 22, 2016 – Saudi Arabian Oil Company (“Saudi Aramco”) through its wholly owned Saudi Refining Inc. (“SRI”) subsidiary and Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”), through its U.S. downstream affiliate have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to divide the assets of Motiva Enterprises LLC.
The Motiva joint venture was formed in 1998 and has operated as a 50/50 refining and marketing joint venture between the parties since 2002.
In the proposed division of assets, SRI will retain the Motiva name, assume sole ownership of the Port Arthur, Texas refinery, retain 26 distribution terminals, and have an exclusive license to use the Shell brand for gasoline and diesel sales in Texas, the majority of the Mississippi Valley, the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic markets.
Shell on its part will assume sole ownership of the Norco, Louisiana refinery (where Shell operates a chemicals plant), the Convent, Louisiana refinery, nine distribution terminals, and Shell branded markets in Florida, Louisiana and the Northeastern region.
“Motiva’s performance has been transformed in the last two years. We propose to combine the assets we will retain from the joint venture with Shell’s other Downstream assets in North America. This is consistent with both the Group and Downstream strategy to provide simpler and more highly integrated businesses which deliver increased cash and returns,” said Shell Downstream Director, John Abbott.
Senior Vice President of Downstream, Saudi Aramco, Mr. Abdulrahman F. Al-Wuhaib added that Saudi Aramco subsidiaries and affiliates have had a presence in the U.S. for over 60 years adding that the Motiva joint venture with Shell has served its downstream business objectives very well for many years.
“However, it is now time for the partners to pursue their independent downstream goals. The Port Arthur refinery will advance Saudi Aramco’s global downstream integration strategy through supply & trading, refining and fuels marketing, chemicals and base oils.
“Motiva’s employees will continue to be critical to fulfilling our future growth potential in the Americas, reinforcing our reliable customer service and supporting the communities where we operate. We fully support Motiva’s continuing transformation journey to become an autonomous integrated downstream affiliate”, he said.
For Motiva President and CEO Mr. Dan Romasko, Motiva has benefited greatly from the nearly two decades of support and resources provided by Shell and Saudi Aramco.
“While the parties work towards definitive agreements, Motiva will remain focused on our growth agenda, running operations in a safe, environmentally sound and efficient manner while continuing to reliably serve our customers,” he said, adding that both Motiva shareholders are committed to supporting the venture during this period of transition and assuring excellent customer service and continued health, safety and environmental performance.
“During the period of transition, shareholder financing support arrangements for Motiva remain in place and both shareholders are committed to maintaining Motiva’s balance sheet strength and liquidity”, he explained.
Under the terms of the LOI, the partners will evaluate options and select an optimal deal structure with the objective of formalizing a definitive agreement to divide and transfer Motiva Enterprises LLC’s assets, liabilities and employees between the companies, Shell said.
