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Statoil ASA’s board of directors has decided to pre-accept, subject to certain conditions, a cash offer from Alimentation Couche-Tard for the shares in the listed energy and retail business Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA at a consideration of NOK 53 per share (adjusted for any dividends and other distributions after 31 December 2011).

The proceeds for Statoil’s 54% stake in the company - which includes Statoil's marine fuels, lubricants and aviation fuel divisions - are estimated to NOK 8.6 billion (USD 1.5 billion), assuming successful closing of the transaction.

The offer delivers a premium of 53% to the current trading price. The parties expect to complete the transaction during the second quarter of 2012. As a result of the transaction, Statoil Fuel & Retail will no longer be consolidated in Statoil ASA’s accounts.

Commenting on the deal, Statoil chief financial officer Torgrim Reitan said: “We believe Alimentation Couche-Tard is a strong industrial buyer and that the price is attractive. The offer, which is recommended by the board and management of Statoil Fuel & Retail, provides a good outcome for all parties.

“This transaction provides shareholders in Statoil Fuel & Retail with the opportunity to realise a substantial return since the IPO in 2010. It will allow Statoil Fuel & Retail to pursue its strategy under new and long term industrial ownership, for the benefit of its customers and employees. For Statoil, it frees up capital, streamlines our portfolio and enables us to further strengthen our focus as a technology focused upstream energy company, in line with our strategy.

“This transaction marks another milestone in Statoil’s strategic progress over the past years. We have proven our ability to deliver competitive returns since our IPO in 2001. With a premium project portfolio and a strong commitment to leverage our competitive strengths, we will continue our journey”, Reitan added.

In a statement, the company said: "The energy and retail business has different drivers for value creation compared to Statoil's core business. That is why Statoil in 2010 decided to establish Statoil Fuel & Retail as a company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. At the time of the IPO, it was announced that the size and time horizon of Statoil's ownership would be tailored to develop shareholder value for Statoil Fuel & Retail and for Statoil."

Statoil Fuel & Retail holds a non-exclusive right to use the Statoil name until 30 September 2019, in line with the agreement entered into at the time of the IPO. Statoil Fuel & Retail is also the beneficial owner of the droplet logo.

As part of a range of transitional services being provided, Statoil said it will continue to provide operational support services for a specified period of time. Key commercial agreements, including sale of refined oil products, will also continue.