Marathon bids big for Andeavor and a far-reaching fuel realm

SAN ANTONIO — With drivers beginning to take note of rising prices at the pump, Marathon Petroleum is buying the refiner and pipeline owner Andeavor for more than $23 billion, creating a refiner with an extensive reach across the U.S.

Crude oil prices are hovering at the levels not seen in three years and are expected to climb higher, pushing up gasoline prices along the way. The U.S. daily national average for regular gasoline is now $2.81 per gallon, up 15 per cent from this time last year.

Marathon is the nation’s second-largest refiner, with a crude oil refining capacity of approximately 1.9 million barrels per calendar day. Marathon brand gasoline is sold through approximately 5,600 independently owned retail outlets across 20 states and the District of Columbia.

Marathon, based in Findlay, Ohio, has operations concentrated in the East while Andeavor, formerly known as Tesoro, has operations in the West. That could give the companies some leeway when the deal goes before regulators that will review how the combined company will hurt or help consumers.

Crude is the feedstock for refiners and the companies will point out what is happening to prices globally. That is already spreading pain around for anyone who drives. Nationwide 13 per cent of all gas stations are charging $3 per gallon or more for a gallon of gas, AAA said last week.

Shareholders of Andeavor, based in San Antonio, can choose to receive 1.87 shares of Marathon stock, or $152.27 in cash.

Shareholders of Marathon Petroleum Corp. will own about 66 per cent of the combined company, with Andeavor shareholders owning the rest. Headquarters will be in Findlay, Ohio, but the combined company will maintain a presence in San Antonio.

The deal is targeted to close in the second half of the year. Once it closes, Andeavor Chairman and CEO Greg Goff will become an executive vice chairman at Marathon. He’ll also join Marathon’s board, along with three other Andeavor directors.