Leading Operator of Service Stations makes first investment into Jersey

Ogier have acted for a subsidiary of MRH (GB) Limited (“MRH”), the United Kingdom’s largest independently owned operator of service stations, on its successful acquisition of Roberts Garages Limited which will complete on 28 February 2011.

MRH is one of the top privately owned companies in the United Kingdom and its purchase of Roberts Garages Limited along with the Roberts’ service stations at Springfield Road St Helier, La Route de St Aubin Bel Royal and La Greve d’Azette St Clement, marks MRH’s first investment into the Channel Islands.

The Ogier team was led by partner Chris Byrne and included Senior Associate Martin Welsh advising on the corporate aspects of the transaction and Managing Associate Martin Le Boutillier who dealt with the property elements. Laura Hendrick and Anna Cochrane were also involved for the Ogier team.

Commenting on MRH’s first acquisition in Jersey, MRH managing director Dr. John Lynn said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Roberts Garages network of service stations in Jersey which added to our existing United Kingdom network. This has resulted in MRH (GB) Limited owning over 300 service stations sites and supplying a further 156 under the Pace brand and reaffirms our position as market leader in the retail fuel sector.  We hope that existing and new customers of Roberts Garages together with the employees will see added benefits from our involvement in Jersey along with continuing high levels of customer service”.  Dr Lynn went on to say that it will be business as usual at Roberts Garages and holders of Roberts Garages loyalty cards should continue to use them in the usual way; it is not proposed for any of the names of the Roberts’ service stations will be changed as a result of the MRH’s purchase.

Chris Byrne added “The Ogier team are thrilled to have helped MRH break new ground in Jersey and are very pleased with the successful outcome for the company.  We very much look forward to assisting MRH in the future.”