Norwegian energy group Statoil said today it was considering a sale of its petrol stations and other businesses in Ireland that employ 1,100 people.
"Statoil ASA has initiated a process to evaluate a possible sale of its Irish retail and commercial and industrial business," it said in a statement, adding it wanted to focus most on Scandinavia and eastern Europe.
It said it was a market leader for automotive fuels in Ireland with a market share of about 20 per cent. "Statoil Ireland has interests in 236 service stations as well as in terminals and distribution companies for heating oil," it said.
It did not mention any potential buyers or price.