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The Competition Commission (CC) is to investigate the completed acquisition by DCC Energy UK Limited, which operates GB Oils, of a number of businesses from Rontec LLP Limited and previously owned by Total Downstream UK plc, including the Total Butler oil distribution business.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has referred the case to the CC, which will decide whether the acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets for goods or services in the UK.

GB Oils and Total Butler both supply oil products, including heating oil and transport fuel, to a range of domestic, commercial and agricultural customers in the UK. Each has a sizeable network of oil depots in England and Wales, numbering over 100 depots in the case of GB Oils and 40 for Total Butler.

The CC is expected to publish its final report by 18 September 2012.

The CC would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by no later than 18 May 2012. To submit evidence, please email: dcc-rontec@cc.gsi.gov.uk or write to:

Inquiry Manager
DCC/Rontec inquiry
Competition Commission
Victoria House
Southampton Row
LONDON
WC1B 4AD

Notes for editors

1. The OFT said in its GB Oils/Pace decision that: GB Oils operates under a number of different brands, principally: Bayford Oil, Brogan Fuels, Carlton Fuels, CPL, Emo Oil, F. Peart & Co., Gulf, Scottish Fuels, Southern Counties, Team Flitwick, Town & County Fuels (as well as other regional and local brands) and now Pace Fuelcare.

2. The CC is an independent public body, which carries out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries.

3. The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the CC completed or proposed mergers for investigation and report which create or enhance a 25 per cent share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70 million.

4. The CC has a 24-week period in which it is required to publish its report, which may be extended by no more than eight weeks if it considers that there are special reasons why the report cannot be published within that period.

5. Further information on this inquiry, including the terms of reference and other key documents, as well as on the CC and its procedures, including its policy on the pro¬vision of information and the disclosure of evidence, can be obtained from the CC website at: www.competition-commission.org.uk.

6. Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor or Siobhan Allen or by ringing 020 7271 0242