Heating oil acquisition cleared after in-depth investigation

On 4 September 2012, the UK Competition Commission unconditionally cleared DCC Energy’s completed acquisition of certain oil distribution assets previously owned by Total UK Limited (including the Butler Fuels oil distribution business). The in-depth investigation conducted by the CC dismissed concerns that the acquisition would substantially lessen competition at a local level, citing in particular the ease of entry and expansion. For customers requiring supply across a range of delivery sites, the CC concluded that, amongst other factors, customers’ ability to multi-source from numerous distributors mitigated against any potential competition concerns arising from the acquisition. RBB acted for DCC throughout the CC investigation, working with Pinsent Masons. For details of the CC’s report, see here.