Fuel operator Puma Energy has completed the acquisition of BP Australia’s bitumen business, making it one of the largest suppliers of bitumen in the country.
The purchase agreement, signed in March, means Puma Energy will own and operate BP’s Brisbane, Townsville, Altona and Hobart sites, inheriting BP’s industry-leading proprietary bitumen products and 35 employees.
As part of the agreement, BP will continue to supply Puma Energy with bitumen from its Kwinana refinery until Puma’s new WA fuel and bitumen terminal replaces it in 2017.
All operations will continue as normal, with the only immediate change being the rebranding of the business to Puma Bitumen.
According to Puma Energy Australia General Manager, Ray Taylor, the acquisition was a significant milestone for the company, as it expands its bitumen operations in the country.
“Our global capabilities in the bitumen sector gives us a unique position in the Australian market and allows us to offer customers high-quality products sourced through a secure and integrated global supply chain,” he said.
“This acquisition gives Puma Energy a competitive edge by taking a world-renowned, quality, technically-focused business and combining it with our already sophisticated global networks, industry-leading infrastructure and supply security promise.
“Our terminal network, soon to increase with the commissioning of our Perth terminal, complements a full-service logistics operation including the world’s largest bitumen fleet, access to refined products in multiple countries and oxidisation plants in Sydney, Brisbane and Langsat (South East Asia).”