OREANDA-NEWS. Rosneft has obtained the approval to dissolve the Ruhr Oel GmbH (ROG) Joint Venture from the German Federal Ministry of the Economy and Energy (Bundesministerium f?r Wirtschaft und Energie). Therefore, Rosneft and BP have accomplished getting regulatory approvals for the deal in a very short time (earlier, on the 21 December 2015 an approval was obtained from the German antitrust regulator Bundeskartellamt, and on 1 February 2016 the deal was approved by the European Commission).

The JV restructuring process is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. This will enable Rosneft and BP to redirect their petrochemical and refining strategies in Europe. The deal demonstrates Rosneft's move to a whole new level of operational activity in Western Europe and confirms the Company's commitment to maximize added value for the shareholders.

The Gelsenkirchen Refinery will be fully owned by BP enabling them to consolidate the company's refining business in Ruhr's industrial area in the heart of Europe. This step will be part of BP's effort to simplify operations and improve efficiency.

The parties have confirmed their intention to provide maximum assistance to each other during the ROG restructuring.