HOUSTON -- The Lewis Group LLP will acquire 10 Shell-branded retail locations in the greater Houston area from Motiva Enterprises LLC. Motiva said that the sale builds on its commitment to increase minority opportunities throughout the Shell retail network. According to a confidentiality agreement between the parties, the purchase prices cannot be disclosed.
"We are proud to be members of the Shell-branded network, and we look forward to expanding our offerings and growing our business across greater Houston," said Sherman Lewis III, president of The [image-nocss] Lewis Group. "As members of the National Urban League, we commend Motiva on its commitment to support minority-owned businesses and increase diversity throughout its network of Shell-branded stations."
Previously this year, Motiva announced a partnership with the National Urban League to encourage qualified minority candidates to seek opportunities in the retail fuels industry. Through this collaboration, Motiva hopes to advance its existing efforts and progress to achieve more diversity in the network.
As a result of today's announcement, The Lewis Group will sell more than 17 million gallons annually through these Shell-branded locations, and serve as a wholesaler for Shell-branded motor fuels. All 10 sites will continue to operate under the Shell brand.
The Lewis Group has operated Shell-branded stations throughout the greater Houston area for more than four years, and has consistently increased gasoline volumes at their sites.
"[The Lewis Group] is a proven partner, and has demonstrated great expertise in managing our stations and enhancing the Shell brand in Houston," said Paul Stanifer, South Region general manager for Motiva. "[Its] outstanding track record of customer service will serve to strengthen and grow our network."
This divestment is in line with Motiva's publicly stated intent to transition company-owned retail assets to wholesale-supplied locations, in an effort to grow the Shell brand in the United States and to improve the long-term sustainability of the network.
"We look forward to continuing to serve Houston-area motorists," added Lewis, "and providing them with a consistent supply of gasoline at competitive prices."
Motiva refines and markets branded products through more than 8,000 Shell stations in the eastern and southern United States. Shell Oil Co. is a 50% owner of Motiva, along with Saudi Refining Inc.
The Lewis Group is owned by Sherman Lewis, Sherman Lewis III and Orgena L. Singlton. They are committed to economic development in the greater Houston area and are members of the National Urban League, Greater Houston Partnership, NAACP and other local organizations. In 2005 and 2006, The Houston Business Journal recognized the company as one of the largest minority-owned business in Houston. The Lewis Group is the parent company of TLG Properties, TLG Fuels and TNL Inc.
Click here to view a KHOU-TV news report on Shell's deal with The Lewis Group.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.