Adnoc Distribution has officially agreed to acquire Shell’s downstream business in South Africa, a deal valued at approximately $1 billion. This significant move grants the UAE-based company control over 580 fuel stations, alongside Shell’s established wholesale, aviation, and lubricants operations in the region. The transaction is slated to finalize in 2027, pending standard regulatory approvals. Upon completion, the Shell brand will remain visible at service stations through a long-term licensing agreement, ensuring continuity for local customers. Furthermore, the company plans to sell a 28 percent stake to a local empowerment partner and an employee stock plan to align with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation.

The strategic acquisition marks a major step in Adnoc Distribution's international expansion, following its recent ventures in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Company CEO Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki highlighted the move as a vote of confidence in the South African market, citing the country's robust regulatory framework and growing demand for fuel. Adnoc Distribution anticipates that the deal will be highly profitable, projecting a 6 percent increase in earnings per share during the first full year of operation. By investing in South Africa's infrastructure and energy sector, the firm aims to secure long-term value for its shareholders while contributing to job creation and sustainable economic growth within the region.