Total not interested in buying Europe refineries of Petroplus
By GERALDINE AMIEL and INTI LANDAURO
French oil major Total isn't interested in buying the refineries Swiss-based Petroplus put up for sale, a Total spokesman said.
Beleaguered Petroplus said last week it has started the process of selling its French refinery, which is located in the town of Petit-Couronne on the northern French coast and employs 550 people.
The company is also "evaluating strategic alternatives" for two other refineries it owns, in Antwerp, Belgium and in Cressier, Switzerland.
Petroplus decided to shut down the three refineries earlier this month after it ran out of cash, and subsequently was unable to buy the crude needed to supply its refineries.
Asked about a potential interest in taking over the plants, the Total spokesman said: "Total isn't interested." He declined to elaborate.
Total, which owns six refineries in France, has idled one of them in 2009 and recently renounced its decision to sell its UK-based Lindsey refinery due to a lack of suitable buyers.
Dow Jones Newswires
Cover photo by Frédéric BISSON
Comments