Jobbers challenge proposed Hess purchase of East Coast stations

摘要

Marketers in Virginia are asking the state to examine plans by independent refiner Hess to acquire stations in the state owned by East Coast, a division of c-store operator Mapco Express. Under the state's divorcement law, a refiner may not company-operate a station within 1.5 miles of an outlet run by a franchised dealer. The state has previously issued opinions that such a proposed purchase would violate the state law, the Virginia Petroleum Products Franchise Act. State law allows for an investigation and, if necessary, legal action to enjoin any potential violation, says Mike O'Connor, president of the Virginia Petroleum Convenience and Grocery Assn. The jobber group's board of directors unanimously voted to ask state Attorney General Bob McDonnell to look into the issue.