INEOS takes a major step forward with the acquisition of TotalEnergies’ petrochemical assets at Lavera in Southern France

• INEOS is to acquire Naphtachimie, Gexaro and Appryl, currently 50:50 Joint Ventures between INEOS and TotalEnergies at Lavera in Southern France.
• Lavera petrochemicals complex and refinery is the largest in the South of France
• Naphtachimie operates one of Europe’s largest steam crackers with an annual capacity of 720,000 tonnes of ethylene, Gexaro an aromatics business with an annual capacity of 270,000 tonnes and Appryl a polypropylene business with an annual capacity of 300,000 tonnes.
• A number of other infrastructure assets are also contained in the deal including part of TotalEnergies ethylene pipeline network in France.
• Xavi Cros, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers South says, “We are very pleased to announce this acquisition. These businesses and pipelines are valuable strategic assets and will further enhance the INEOS portfolio.”

INEOS has signed a deal to acquire TotalEnergies’ 50% share of Naphtachimie (720 ktpa steam cracker), Appryl (300 ktpa polypropylene business), Gexaro (270 ktpa aromatics business) and 3TC (naphtha storage), which are all currently joint ventures between the two companies. A number of other infrastructure assets are also contained in the deal including part of TotalEnergies ethylene pipeline network in France.

This strategic deal will fully integrate the Naphthachimie, Gexaro and Appryl petrochemical businesses, assets and infrastructure into INEOS Olefins & Polymers South at Lavera in Southern France. Gexaro is located on the Lavera refinery site and will continue to be operated by Petroineos.

Xavi Cros, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers South adds, ​"This is a major step forward for the INEOS French and South European businesses. The acquisition will allow us to fully integrate these assets and enhance the competitiveness of our offer. At the same time our goal is to continue to invest in them, including CO2 reduction to meet our Net Zero 2050 commitment."

As part of the agreement, INEOS will also acquire the southern sections of TotalEnergies’ ethylene pipeline network running from Lavéra to the Lyon region. The central and northern sections, from the Lyon region to the Lorraine region, will  be held equally by both companies. Completion of the deal is subject to consultation and regulatory approval and is expected around the end of 2023.

About Naphtachimie

Naphtachimie is a 50:50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and INEOS. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated research and development team, the JV has established itself as an innovative and forward-thinking player in the chemical sector. The Naphtachimie steam cracker is one of the largest in the world, converting naphtha into olefins and aromatics, cracking the molecules at high temperature (800°C), in the presence of steam. The unit produces ethylene, propylene, butadiene, butenes and pyrolysis gasoline. Its products are either shipped to external customers or used on site by Kemone , INEOS , Appryl, Oxochimie and Gexaro to be transformed into products necessary for applications found across everyday life.

About Appryl

Appryl is a 50:50 joint venture between TotalEnergies  and INEOS to produce polypropylene. The business has benefited from ongoing investment enabling it to remain one of the largest and most efficient units in the world.

About Gexaro

Gexaro is a 50:50 Joint Venture between TotalEnergies and INEOS. It produces benzene and gasoline for the Petroineos refinery.

About 3TC

3TC is a 50:50 Joint Venture between TotalEnergies and Petroineos. It stores naphtha feedstock for the Naphtachimie steam cracker.