OREANDA-NEWS. TNK-BP plans to expand its petrol stations network over Moscow and the Moscow Region, by purchasing several independent companies, reports Veles Capital research department with reference to the agency for oil information. One of upcoming purchases is the Magistral group, which holds 90 petrol stations and over 50 jobbers in Moscow, another 20 petrol stations in the Moscow Region, three petroleum storage depots with capacity of 20 000 tons each (Mitishi, Klimovsk and Naro-Fominsk), as well as transport enterprise (over 100 tank trucks).

Representative of TNK-BP noted that for now parties have not reached mutual agreement. According to some data, value of the deal may make up to 900 mln USD. As operating data of TNK-BP are not accessible publically, it is very hard to estimate a fair price of the enterprise, Veles Capital's experts stress. "But, according to the offer, TNK-BP would not conduct economically inadequate purchases and only considering the fact of how many petrol stations and storage depots company holds, we think that the increase of retail spots of the company will positively affect its activities. We think that positive effect of petrol stations network's expansion will be transformed into a growth of operating income, but obviously only under adequate management of purchased assets," the analysts conclude.