Listed on the stock exchange, but 49.9% owned by the Polish state, 3,100 service stations on the network, 62 billion euros in turnover: it’s all on the calling card of the Orlen Group, which manages the 266 service stations of the Upper Austrian Doppler Group. “Not an easy step,” says Franz Joseph Doppler, who revealed more about the background of the deal during a press conference.
The Doppler Group separates from the petrol station activities, which includes 266 stations and the brand names Turmöl, Turmstrom, Turmgas and Austrocard. Franz Joseph Doppler retains the real estate, which he leases on a long-term basis to the Polish Orlen Group, as well as the logistics and liquefied gas business, which he plans to expand.
“There were always interested parties, but it felt good with this group,” says the 38-year-old entrepreneur, who caused a blast with the sale. That’s what he says about…
- The why: “There just comes a point where you start thinking about what’s going to happen next. I wouldn’t have done it if the company’s sustainability wasn’t guaranteed.”
- The emotions: “It’s not an easy step, but the whole package just makes sense. We’ve developed an incredible amount, it’s given us a lot of fun, we’ve brought a lot together, but the thing is that in the future a group like Orlen will have a lot survive in the market better and more successfully than a private company of our size.”
- The disadvantages in competition: “We have no production, no international possibilities to get cheaper or cheaper fuel than the biggest competitors. In addition, a lot is invested in renewable energy. That is easier for an international player.”
- His plans for the future: “In the coming months we will focus on developing our strategy – and therefore also on where we want to grow again as a group. I wouldn’t rule anything out at this point. When it comes to liquefied gas, we focus on bottled gas. We are currently number two in the market and aim for market leadership.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
