30th Sep 2015 15:34
LONDON (Alliance News) - Royal Dutch Shell PLC has teamed up with the fastest-growing independent energy supplier in the UK to launch a new venture in Germany selling households gas and electricity under Shell?s brand, the Telegraph reported Wednesday.
The deal marks First Utility?s first foray abroad after establishing itself as Britain?s biggest 'challenger' supplier to the traditional 'Big Six' suppliers. It is also thought to be the first time Shell, the global oil and gas giant, has struck a major household energy supplier partnership to sell electricity and gas under its name in Europe.
The Big Six comprise of British Gas, which is owned by Centrica PLC, SSE PLC, ScottishPower, E.On, EDF Energy and nPower. There are more than 20 independent suppliers in the UK, which have been increasing their market share in the UK after a report earlier this month said independents were "breaking the stranglehold" of the Big Six.
The deal builds on an existing arrangement in the UK in which Shell trades the gas and electricity that First Utility manages marketing and sells to its customers.
However in Germany, while the same division of labour will apply, ?all product and service offerings will be Shell branded? ? leading to an unusual arrangement in which First Utility will be responsible for the oil giant?s reputation and marketing, according to the newspaper.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11900102/First-Utility-launches-in-Germany-branded-as-Shell.html
By Joshua Warner; joshuawarner@alliancenews.com; @JoshAlliance
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