The Latvian competition authority, known as KP, has received a merger notification from AS VIRŠI-A concerning the acquisition of long-term usage rights for four fuel stations that were previously operated by SIA ASTARTE-NAFTA.

AS VIRŠI-A has been listed on the Nasdaq Riga stock exchange since 2021 and has over 7,000 shareholders, with the top five shareholders owning 88% of the company. The primary business of AS VIRŠI-A involves the retail sale of motor fuels and non-specialized retail, mainly food, beverages, and tobacco. Additionally, they provide various services typically offered at fuel stations, such as parking, car washing, and electric vehicle charging.

SIA ASTARTE-NAFTA has been active in the retail and wholesale of petroleum products since 1991. The fuel stations involved in the merger provided retail services for gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as snacks, essential goods, and other services related to fuel station operations.

The fuel stations included in the merger are located at specific addresses in Latvia and are currently owned by SIA NAFTIMPEKS, which received permission from KP to acquire ownership of 25 ASTARTE-NAFTA fuel stations, including the four in question.

According to the information provided by the merger participants, the merger could affect competition in the wholesale markets for gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as in the retail markets for these fuels and autogas, impacting both end consumers (B2C) and industrial clients (B2B) along specific road segments and local areas around the fuel stations.

The KP must make a decision regarding the merger approval, prohibition, or conditional approval within one month of receiving the notification. If a more in-depth investigation is required, the decision-making period may be extended up to four months from the notification date.

Market participants or other interested parties wishing to provide feedback on the merger's impact on competition are invited to contact KP economist Elija Kērpe or fill out a provided questionnaire by October 21, 2026.