LBC primarily handles and stores chemicals in Europe and the US, and this will strengthen MOL’s chemical logistics business.
The sale and purchase agreement was signed on March 7, 2025, with the acquisition price expected to be approximately US$ 1,715 million. The closing of the transaction is subject to obtaining permits and approvals from the relevant authorities.
LBC is one of the largest global independent tank terminal companies, primarily handling and storing chemicals, operating seven terminals in the world’s leading chemical hubs in Europe (Antwerp and Rotterdam) and the US Gulf Coast region (Houston, Freeport and Baton Rouge).
With a total storage capacity of approximately 3 million cubic metres, berth facilities, pipelines and loading facilities for rail and truck transport, LBC supports the supply chains of customers such as chemical manufacturers and energy companies, through storage services at shipping and arrival ports.
MOL Group positions the chemical logistics business as a business of growth, and this acquisition is part of that strategy. MOL has already expanded its business scale in the chemical tanker business by acquiring shares in Nordic Tankers in 2019 and Fairfield Chemical Carriers in 2024, boasting one of the largest fleets in the world.
With the acquisition of LBC, MOL has gained onshore storage capabilities at tank terminals and expanded our lineup to include everything from maritime transport to small-lot transport using tank containers. This enables it to meet diverse customer transportation needs and establish a “Total Chemical Logistics Service” system, aiming to lead the global chemical logistics industry.
In addition, with demand for the transportation of ammonia and CO₂ expected to grow as a result of a more decarbonised society, MOL Group will accelerate the development of its next generation energy business by adding onshore storage to its logistics offering through the acquisition of LBC.
LBC plans to expand its business by increasing tank capacity, and based on these plans, the investment return (Equity IRR) from this acquisition is expected to be approximately 10%.
Moving forward, MOL aims to achieve further growth by leveraging synergies with chemical tanker business, and tank container business, as well as advancing its next-generation energy business.