The Plenum of the Competition Council has adopted the decision declaring the economic concentration operation involving the acquisition of control over “PEMO” fuel stations by “Now Oil Retail” LLC as compatible with the competitive environment.

The transaction concerns fuel stations located in:

  • Ungheni district (Zagarancea commune);
  • Orhei district (Peresecina village);
  • Glodeni town (14 Gheorghe Asachi Street).

The transaction involves the lease, for a period of five years, of the assets previously managed by “Signindustr” LLC, including: fuel stations, equipment and movable property, adjacent shops, customer base, employees, and goodwill – all of which together constitute a functioning economic activity on the market.

The economic concentration resulted in a horizontal integration and was assessed in relation to the following relevant markets:

  • the retail sale of main petroleum products (gasoline and diesel);
  • the retail sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG);
  • the retail sale of food and non-food products in shops adjacent to the fuel stations.

The geographic market delineation was carried out based on consumer behaviour: approximately 10 minutes driving time in urban areas and 20 minutes in rural areas, reflecting the preference to refuel vehicles near one’s workplace or residence. The assessment confirmed that in the areas where both parties were active, effective competitive pressure is maintained.

Based on the assessment carried out, the Competition Council authorised the economic concentration and declared it compatible with the competitive environment.