Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises Shell on US$250 million sale of Australian aviation business

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has advised global energy company Royal Dutch Shell plc on an agreement with Viva Energy Pty Ltd for the sale of Shell Aviation Australia Pty Ltd for a total transaction value of approximately US$250 million. This follows the sale of Shell’s other downstream activities in the country to Viva Energy in 2014, on which Clifford Chance also advised.

The Shell brand will remain visible across the aviation refuelling network in the country through a trademark licencing agreement as part of the sale. Viva Energy will continue to supply aviation customers with Shell branded fuel under existing contracts. The transaction is expected to complete by mid-2017, subject to regulatory approval. Employees of Shell Aviation Australia will remain employed by the company as it transfers to new ownership.

The Clifford Chance team was led by Partner and Co-Head of the firm's  Oil & Gas Practice Tracey Renshaw, who offers, "We are proud to be able to continue to support Shell on what is a very significant transaction in the Australian market and for the global downstream industry more broadly."