MFG buys Morrisons petrol stations and plans ultra rapid EV charging hub rollout
Motor Fuel Group (MFG), the UK's largest independent forecourt operator, is buying 337 petrol stations from Morrisons to develop ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs in a £2.5 billion deal.
As part of the acquisition, Morrisons will take a minority stake of around 20% in MFG and enter into commercial and supply agreements with the company.
William Bannister, CEO of MFG, said, “This strategic acquisition, and the resulting partnership with the highly respected Morrisons brand, is the next major growth investment for MFG. It is anchored in the potential for us to accelerate the roll-out of ultra-rapid EV charging infrastructure across the UK while also giving customers a first-class retail offer.
MFG has committed to supermarket fuel pricing across the Morrisons estate, with the Morrisons branding remaining.
Morrisons will continue to supply food and groceries across the Morrisons petrol forecourts with the opportunity to expand its supply into the MFG estate over the medium term through its wholesale operation.
MFG is also aiming to install 800 ultra-rapid 150kW EV chargers in hubs within the first five years making it one of the largest ultra-rapid EV charge point operators in the UK, with more than 1,300 sites.
Rami Baitiéh, CEO of Morrisons, said, “As the needs of the customer continue to evolve, Morrisons and MFG’s partnership will see us combine our respective expertise and resources. It means Morrisons customers will continue to see a competitive and attractive forecourt offering, including expanded access to EV charging, while also benefitting from greater focus on investment in Morrisons’ core food business.
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap commented "It's fantastic to see MFG partnering with Morrisons to deliver reliable, high-powered charging for electric car drivers across the country,” she said.
“This acquisition of sites for EV charging amounts to a significant expansion of MFG EV Power's Ultra-Rapid network and its fast-paced rollout of charging hubs is certainly impressive, while the increased availability of ultra-rapid charging capabilities across the UK will contribute to greater adoption of electric vehicles, which of course pollute less and support our collective efforts to reduce harmful carbon emissions.”