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Germany Reviews BP’s Sale of Gelsenkirchen Refinery to Klesch Group

The review tests Germany’s power to block non‑EU takeovers of critical fuel assets.

Overview

  • Press reports say the Economy Ministry has opened an investment screening of BP’s planned sale of the Gelsenkirchen refinery to the US‑led Klesch Group.
  • A ministry spokesperson said it cannot disclose details of any specific review because company trade secrets apply.
  • BP says it plans to close the deal in the second half of 2026 if regulators approve it.
  • The Gelsenkirchen complex spans two sites and can process about 12 million tonnes of crude a year, supplying fuel for road traffic and aviation.
  • The buyer, run by A. Gary Klesch, already operates the Heide refinery in Germany, and media have noted its Malta base and opaque links to Jersey.