Shell has completed the sale of a 31.2% shareholding in Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. to Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. for a total amount of JPY 159 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion). Completion follows anti-trust approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.

John Abbott, Shell Downstream Director, says, “Shell has enjoyed a long and valuable partnership with Showa Shell since the year 1900. I would like to thank CEO Tsuyoshi Kameoka, the management and the board of directors for their leadership and support, as well as those leaders who have preceded them over the last century. I wish the company success and look forward to seeing the commercial linkages and a new relationship between our two companies over the coming years.”

The sale supports Shell’s strategic commitment to focus downstream activity on areas where it can be most competitive.

Shell’s upstream, integrated gas, chemicals and trading businesses are not impacted by the sale. Japan remains an important LNG market for Shell.

Tags: Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., Shell, Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.