Irish energy giant DCC agrees €7.68bn takeover by US private equity firms

DCC Energy  employs 9,500 people across Europe and North America and operates brands including Certa service stations

DCC chief executive Donal Murphy, , with Kevin Lucey, COO, and Conor Murphy, CFO. DCC Energy has agreed to a £5.75 billion ($7.68bn) takeover by a consortium comprising US private equity firms KKR and Energy Capital Partners, the parties said on Monday.

Irish energy distributor DCC Energy has agreed to a £5.75 billion ($7.68bn) takeover by a consortium comprising US private equity firms KKR and Energy Capital Partners, the parties said on Monday.

Under the offer, DCC shareholders will receive £65.25 in cash per share, a proposed final dividend of 147.22p, and a potential payment of up to £1.25 if DCC can sell its Nexora technology unit for at least $800m.

DCC had rejected the consortium's initial £4.95bn proposal, saying it undervalued the company, prompting KKR and Energy Capital to come back with a sweetened £5.7bn bid in June that DCC signalled its support for, before KKR sweetened it further.

“Since setting out its new strategy in 2022, DCC Energy has successfully repositioned to become a simpler, leaner, and more focused business. This strategic clarity has laid the foundations for sustainable long-term value creation as a leading multi-energy solutions provider," said DCC Energy chair Mark Breuer.

"I would like to recognise the exceptional contribution of our colleagues across DCC Energy, whose dedication, insight and ingenuity have been instrumental in delivering that successful transformation. Whilst the DCC Energy Board remains confident in the energy strategy and associated 2030 Ambition announced in 2022, the Board believes the Consortium’s offer represents a compelling opportunity for shareholders to crystallise value in cash at an attractive premium to DCC Energy's historical trading price.

"We are confident that the Consortium will be strong stewards of DCC Energy's 50-year heritage and support the business during its next phase of growth.”

DCC Energy sells, markets, and distributes energy to commercial, industrial, domestic, and transport customers in 11 across countries. The business employs 9,500 people across Europe and North America.

It operates service stations across eight countries in Europe including through its Certa brand in Ireland and Certas Energy in the UK and France, alongside providing services to vehicle fleets including payments, digital parking, and telematics.

For the year ended 31 March 2026, DCC Energy reported revenues of £15.42bn and operating profit for its continuing operations of £634, a 3.6% increase year-on-year.

 - Reuters