OREANDA-NEWS. August 11, 2011. PetroChina and INEOS complete transaction to form trading and refining joint ventures related to the refining operations in Grangemouth (Scotland) and Lavera (France), reported the press-centre of PetroChina.

PetroChina Company Limited (PetroChina) and INEOS Group Holdings plc (INEOS) have completed the deal to form trading and refining Joint Ventures between PetroChina International (London) Company Limited, and INEOS Investments (Jersey) Limited.

The joint ventures include trading and refining activities at the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland and the Lavera refinery in France. The business employs approximately 1,000 people and has a turnover of USD 15bn. PetroChina has paid USD 1.015 billion cash for the shares in the joint ventures.

Li Keqiang, the Chinese Vice Premier, and Nick Clegg, the British Deputy Prime Minister, witnessed the signing of the framework agreement to form the Joint Ventures, in January. The completion of the transaction, announced today follows a successful consultation process with INEOS employees, the approval of INEOS lenders and relevant Government and regulatory bodies.

The completion of the joint ventures are of great importance for PetroChina’s global allocation of resources and market portfolio, as it explores the high-end European market, and begins try to establish PetroChina’s European oil and gas operation centre. “The Joint Ventures with INEOS are consistent with PetroChina’s strategy to build its broader business platform in Europe as a leading international energy company,” said Si Bingjun, General Manager of PetroChina International London.

The formation of the joint ventures creates a strategic partnership between both companies that strengthens the long-term sustainability of both refineries, enhances security of supply for customers and secures jobs and skills in both the UK and France. “We are delighted to have PetroChina as our long-term strategic partner in both the Grangemouth and Lavera refineries”, said Calum MacLean CEO, INEOS Refining. “The formation of the joint ventures provides further investment in our refineries, and enhances their competitiveness in European markets.”

PetroChina’s ultimate parent company, China National Petroleum Corporation (“CNPC”), and INEOS are also progressing a strategic co-operation agreement to share refining and petrochemical technology and expertise between their respective businesses.

The Grangemouth refinery is located on the Firth of Forth with direct access to crude oil and gas from the North Sea. The Grangemouth refinery processes around 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day and provides fuel to Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. 

The Lavera refinery processes 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It is located on the coast of the Mediterranean crude oil trading basin, next to the port of Marseille. The refinery supplies fuel by pipelines into France, Switzerland and Southern Germany.

Both sites remain integrated into INEOS' downstream petrochemical production after the completion.