Barbados-headquartered Sol Group has expanded into Bermuda and is operating the Island’s Esso gas stations and supplying fuel to aircraft at LF Wade International Airport, through Sol Petroleum Bermuda Limited

A celebration of the deal, which was first announced last year, was held at Pier 6 on Front Street.

The Esso branding will not be changed in Bermuda, and the company said it is looking forward to continuing partnership swith the Buzz chain, which provides food services at Esso gas stations, and the convenience stores located within the outlets.

Sol has established a significant footprint across the Caribbean since it acquired Shell assets in the Eastern Caribbean in 2005. It is the largest macro distributor of Shell lubricants in the Caribbean and says it will now offer a full range of lubricants, including synthetic high-performance products, in Bermuda.

“We have made significant strides in building a safe, sound, and viable business, which continues to grow exponentially,” said Sol Group CEO Gerard Cox. “Following our most recent purchase of ExxonMobil’s fuel marketing business in Barbados, Bahamas, Cayman, Dominican Republic and Bermuda, we were very pleased to have established a long-term partnership with Exxon which provides for the continuation of the Esso brand across the region and the sourcing of fuels from their Gulf Coast refineries.

“Customers will therefore be able to buy the same high quality fuel and products that are associated with the Esso retail offering.”

In January the company purchased ExxonMobil’s Caribbean businesses in the Western Caribbean (Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, and Grand Cayman), a transaction that included ExxonMobil’s fuels marketing business as well as a long term brand alliance which provides for the continuation of the Esso brand at the acquired retail sites.

The company said customers can be assured they will be able to buy “the same high quality fuel and products that are associated with the Esso retail offering when they visit Esso service stations across the island”.

Established customers of aviation, marine and commercial fuels will continue to be served by the Sol Group.

Speaking in Bermuda, Mr Cox noted that Sol’s Caribbean roots gave the company a unique and advantageous appreciation of regional markets including Bermuda.

He said: “As people from the Caribbean, we share a deep appreciation and understanding of our region, its people, and their needs.

“We can therefore work together to provide even greater value to our customers and stakeholders. Our objective is to offer quality energy solutions, deliver the best in customer satisfaction and serve the needs of the communities where we do business. Our focus across the region has been on long-term social partnerships; in education, sports, the environment and energy.”

Sol Petroleum Bermuda Limited general manager Mark Fields, said the Esso brand had been, and would continue to be important contributor to the Bermuda market.

He added: “Sol is a respected regional player and has demonstrated its commitment to regional development in every market where it has established its operations. The Bermuda Market is no exception. The Sol Bermuda Team is proud to be part of such a strong Caribbean organisation. Sol in Bermuda will look for further opportunities to grow the brand and give back to our local community.

“To our vendors in our convenience stores, we welcome the renewed partnership as we continue to sell the high quality products to our customers. To our food service provider Buzz, we look forward to a good future together serving the Bermuda public with outstanding cuisine.”