Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec.13 /Trend E.Ismayilov/
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) studies the European markets, and particularly the Central Europe's market for possible purchase of assets, a source in SOCAR told Trend on Tuesday.
The source stressed the company takes into account best price and prospects of assets when choosing them.
In addition to these two conditions, the new acquisition should serve the interests and the overall strategy of SOCAR.
Availability of all these conditions can eventually lead to the conclusion of a profitable deal, like purchase of the largest network of gas stations in Switzerland by SOCAR, the source said.
The source said that, choosing new assets in one or another country is carried out based on a strategy, in the formation of which all subdivisions of SOCAR, including its representations are involved.
Main goals of SOCAR's representative offices in other countries are study of the market and making proposals on certain assets, purchase of which would be profitable for SOCAR, and Azerbaijan in general.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) signed agreement with Exxon Mobil over acquisition of its Swiss division, Esso Schweiz GmbH in November. The company will work under the Esso brand within 12 months after change of the owner.
Following the acquisition of Esso Switzerland, the SOCAR has taken over a retail network consisting of 170 filling stations, a division specialized in fuel marketing for industry and wholesale clients (this division is responsible for household fuel and balloon gas sale to independent suppliers throughout Switzerland), gas filling station Wangen-Olten, filling stations, joint ventures specialized in aircraft fuelling at the Airports of Geneva and Zurich, and the Swiss Provision and Supply Company that controls joint ventures managing terminals and pipelines.