Ashland, TNK-BP sign agreement to distribute Valvoline motor oils

Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Consumer Markets and a commercial unit of U.S.-based Ashland Inc., said it has signed a five-year agreement with TNK-BP, Russia’s third-largest oil company, to distribute Valvoline motor oil to the passenger car market in Russia. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We are very excited about this distribution relationship with TNK-BP,” said Sam Mitchell, president, Ashland Consumer Markets. “With its passenger car lubricants market being the largest in Europe – and still growing year on year, Russia represents a significant growth opportunity for passenger car motor oils, particularly with the increasing popularity of Western cars. By combining Valvoline’s brand leadership and high-quality lubricants with TNK-BP’s extensive retail network and local market insights, we believe we can build a strong foundation for future growth and market share expansion.” With access to 15,000 retail stores across Russia, TNK-BP offers unparalleled opportunities to introduce Russian drivers to the Valvoline brand, Mitchell said. According to Alfredo Barrios, executive vice president, Downstream, of TNK-BP, “The signing of this distribution agreement with Valvoline, one of the biggest players in the global lubricants market, represents the beginning of a productive relationship between our companies.” (April 20, 2012)