MANILA - Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is interested in acquiring the retail distribution network of oil refiner Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., anchored by the Select convenience store chain.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, San Miguel said “the company may have an interest in the Select shops of Pilipinas Shell if the same are offered for sale.”

Shell has maintained its number two position in the domestic oil market, given the company’s established refinery, storage and distribution facilities as well as its expansive retail sales network.

Shell is the strongest player in the Philippines oil and gas sector, operating the key Malampaya gas-to-power project, substantial refining capacity and the country’s most efficient retail operation.

With a chain of over 1,000 sales stations nationwide, Shell serves customers in almost every field of transport, commerce and industry with a wide range of high quality fuels, lubricants, liquefied petroleum gas, aviation fuel, bitumen and other specialty products it produces.

The acquisition of Select shops is expected to enhance synergy in the sales and distribution network of the San Miguel businesses.

San Miguel’s goal is to become a distribution and logistics powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the years, San Miguel has leveraged its logistics expertise to unprecedented levels, successfully managing the most far reaching and cost efficient logistics networks – from raw material sourcing and procurement, to the storage and delivery of finished goods.

San Miguel, with its core food, beverage and packaging businesses, owns over 120 facilities in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, China and Australia.

The company owns a range of beverage brands and products that extends from beer to hard liquor, bottled water, powdered juice and juice drinks. Its product portfolio also includes processed and packaged food products, meat, poultry, dairy products and a number of packaging products.

San Miguel’s food operations includes the production and marketing of fresh, pork and beef, milk, butter, cheese, margarine, ice cream, flour, pancake mix, snack foods, coffee, cooking oil, coconut oil, and animal and aquatic feeds.

The company is also engaged in the management and development of real estate properties.

San Miguel has an option to acquire 50.1% of oil giant Petron Corp. from a unit of London-based investment fund Ashmore Group.