By Uzoma Akobundu
Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Forte Oil Plc has indicated interest in divesting his shares in the downstream business of the firm.
Forte Oil on Monday notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange about the divestment, effective first quarter of 2019.
A letter signed by the general counsel of Forte Oil Akinleye Olagbende, said the business mogul said he was divesting from the company in order to “explore and maximise business opportunities in refining and petrochemicals.”
The statement read: “Forte Oil Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Securities and Exchange Commission, shareholders and the investing community that its majority shareholder, Mr Femi Otedola, has reached an agreement with the Prudent Energy team, investing through Ignite Investments and Commodities Limited, to divest of his full 75 per cent direct and indirect shareholding in the company’s downstream business.
“Mr Otedola’s divestment from the downstream business is pursuant to his decision to explore and maximise business opportunities in refining and petrochemicals.
“The transaction is expected to close in the First Quarter (Q l ) of 2019 subject to the satisfaction of various conditions and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.”
Otedola bought into Forte Oil in 2007 through the vehicle of Otedola-owned Zenon Petroleum & Gas Limited.