London, Amsterdam, July 10, 2025
Dentons has advised bp on its agreement to sell its mobility & convenience and bp pulse businesses in the Netherlands to Catom. The sale is part of bp’s previously announced US$20 billion divestment programme and is expected to complete by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
This transaction is the latest example of bp’s strategy in action to reshape and high-grade its downstream businesses, focusing on leading integrated positions. The sale includes around 300 bp-owned or branded retail sites – some with on-site EV charging infrastructure – as well as 15 operational bp pulse EV charging hubs, eight under development, and the associated Dutch fleet business.
Catom, founded in 1998 by experienced entrepreneurs, is a fast-growing player in the trade, distribution, and sale of fuels and lubricants in the Netherlands. With this acquisition, Catom expands its OK retail network to over 400 retail sites in strategic locations across the Netherlands.
Darren Acres, Corporate partner in the UK at Dentons, commented: "We are pleased to have advised bp on this important strategic disposal. The transaction is a testament to the collaborative approach of the Dentons team and our ability to deliver practical, commercial solutions that support our client’s long-term objectives."
Kuif Klein Wassink, Corporate partner in the Netherlands at Dentons, commented: “This transaction highlights Dentons’ cross-border capabilities and our deep understanding of the Dutch market. We are delighted to support our client through every stage of this process and contributed to the successful execution of their strategy.”
The multi-jurisdictional transaction team was led by Darren Acres in the UK and Kuif Klein Wassink in the Netherlands. The UK team included Corporate senior associate Min Yang and associate Lara Ali. In the Netherlands, the team included Corporate senior associate Joep Schreijer, associate Tessa Steenbakkers, Employment partner Johanne Boelhouwer, Corporate civil law notary partner Jan-Mathijs Hermans, and senior associate Vincent Wensink. In Germany, the team included Corporate partners Thomas Schubert and Fabian Herbst, and counsel Matthias Hause. Additional specialist teams advised on notarial, employment and labour, energy regulatory, real estate, public policy and regulation, tax, and competition and antitrust, FDI and trade matters.