Germany sets conditions on Sunoco’s TanQuid acquisition

Sunoco LP’s planned takeover of TanQuid, one of Germany’s leading independent storage operators for petroleum products, chemicals and biofuels, is progressing, but not without conditions.
The deal has drawn scrutiny from the German government, which has imposed safeguards citing concerns around national infrastructure security.
TanQuid operates a network of strategically important storage terminals across Germany, handling a wide range of products including conventional fuels, petrochemicals and renewable energy carriers such as biofuels.
Given the company’s role in supplying critical energy infrastructure, Berlin has reviewed the acquisition under its foreign investment control framework.
As part of the approval process, Sunoco has been required to agree to specific conditions designed to protect sensitive assets. These reportedly include the divestment or restructuring of business units linked to infrastructure considered vital to national or military interests, ensuring continued operational security and independence in key areas.
The transaction marks a significant step for Sunoco as it seeks to expand its footprint in European energy logistics, while also highlighting the increasing regulatory focus on ownership of strategic energy assets.
For TanQuid, the deal represents a potential shift in ownership after years under infrastructure-focused investors, as the company continues to play a role in both traditional fuel markets and the growing biofuels sector.