Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises Shell on the sale of its Retail, Supply & Distribution, Logistics and Aviation businesses in Italy to Kuwait Petroleum International

Clifford Chance advises Shell on the sale of its Retail, Supply & Distribution, Logistics and Aviation businesses in Italy to Kuwait Petroleum International

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance announces it has advised Shell on an agreement in the sale of shares in the companies containing the Retail, Supply & Distribution, Logistics and Aviation businesses in Italy to the affiliates of Kuwait Petroleum International. Shell’s retail network includes over 830 retail sites and under the agreement it will be re-branded to Q8. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete in 2014.

John Wilkins, London Shell relationship partner, comments: "This is a landmark deal for Italy, both for the oil & gas sector and for M&A generally. We're delighted to help Shell deliver on the implementation of their divestment strategy."

Clifford Chance advised on all aspects of the transaction, providing integrated English and Italian law advice as well as specialist antitrust, employment, environmental and tax advice.

Shell's legal team included Julienne Baron and Tim Ware of the Downstream Portfolio group.

Kuwait Petroleum International was represented by Hogan Lovells, led by partners Leah Dunlop and Antonio Di Pasquale.

The multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary Clifford Chance team comprised:

Core team: John Wilkins (Shell relationship partner, London), Umberto Penco Salvi (Milan), Richard Tomlinson (lead associate, London), Giuseppe De Cola (Milan), Giovanni Bologna (Milan)

Environment: Aristide Police (Rome), Ivana Magistrelli (Milan), Nigel Howorth (London), James Shepherd (London)

Tax: Carlo Galli (Milan), Marco Palanca (Milan).

Antitrust: Oliver Bretz (Brussels), Katrin Schallenberg (Paris), Luciano Di Via (Milan)

HR: Simonetta Candela (Milan), Paola Mariani (Milan)

IT: Richard Jones (London)