New Zealand’s fairest fuel providers plan to create a national network that would continue to drive lower pump prices to Kiwis everywhere. 

The merger would combine NPD and Gull’s complementary sites, teams and supply chains to become the largest independent, majority Kiwi-owned fuel company. Retaining their distinctive brands, they plan to deliver faster, smarter and fairer fuel at 240 sites from Invercargill to Kaitaia.

Together, NPD and Gull will leverage behind-the-scenes capabilities and the increased buying power of one billion litres of fuel a year to keep costs down for motorists.

NPD owner and Chief Executive Barry Sheridan will become Group CEO of the new company, which will be 50% owned by the South Island based Sheridan family, who will be the largest single shareholder, with leading Australasian private equity firm Allegro Funds, owner of Gull, holding the remaining 50%. 

The Sheridan family and Allegro will combine deep, hands-on knowledge of the fuel sector with private equity investment expertise to grow the business.

“Both companies are focused on making it easy for customers to pay less for fuel,” says Barry. “NPD started doing so more than 55 years ago and Gull started shaking up the market 25 years ago. Together, we’ll do even more so motorists pay less.”

Gull Chief Executive Dan Gilbert is equally excited about what the merger would enable Gull and NPD to achieve for customers.

“We’ve both grown great businesses – with Gull having most of its sites in the North Island and NPD having most of its sites in the South Island – so joining forces means we’ll be everywhere, accelerating what we can do for more customers in more places.”

While NPD and Gull are renowned for lower-priced fuel at their self-serve sites, it’s what’s behind the scenes that will make a difference at the pump in the future. 

Customers will benefit from a national network of sites, an increase in the individual companies’ fuel purchasing power, and improved distribution efficiencies. Gull’s Mt Maunganui fuel terminal and NPD’s network of fuel trucks will enable directly sourced fuel to be delivered to even more sites across the country.

NPD and Gull are lean operators, with fewer than 130 staff across the two companies – an important part of what helps them deliver fuel at fairer prices to customers.

In addition, the merger of NPD and Gull will create new opportunities and synergies. The ability to reduce duplicate systems, share services and enhance supply chains will help the new company continue to deliver market leading competitive pricing to motorists.

 The merger is subject to regulatory approvals, including Commerce Commission clearance. The parties have engaged with the Commerce Commission and an application for clearance will be registered in January.