The mining and commodities trading house run by billionaire Ivan Glasenberg, Glencore, has sold a 51 percent stake in its oil products storage business to China’s HNA Innovation Finance Group, the company said.
The Transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and closing conditions and is expected to close during the second half of 2017.
The Transaction will result in a newly incorporated company, HG Storage International (HG Storage), which will consolidate Glencore’s existing petroleum products storage and logistics businesses into a global portfolio of high-calibre assets.
HG Storage will have an established presence in major trading hubs and strategically important locations across Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Upon closing, HG Storage will be governed by its own board of directors. HNA shall have the right to appoint three directors to the board, alongside two Glencore-appointed directors. At shareholder meetings Glencore and HNA representatives shall vote in proportion to their shareholdings, subject to certain reserved matters.
In addition, and consistent with a mutual commitment to a successful long-term partnership, Glencore and HNA have agreed to an initial three year lock-up period in respect of their interests in HG Storage.
Commenting on the Transaction, Alex Beard, Head of Glencore Oil, said: “We are pleased to be entering into a partnership with HNA to further develop our global petroleum products storage and logistics business. HG Storage brings together Glencore’s expertise in the petroleum products storage business and extensive market knowledge with HNA’s global reach and strong position in Asia."
Alex added: "HG Storage’s high quality assets are well positioned to take advantage of the future opportunities we expect to be created by the strong market fundamentals for the sector. We also look forward to exploring further potential opportunities for cooperation with HNA in areas of mutual interest.”