Shell and ExxonMobil are jointly exploring a sale of their 50% stakes in UK-based specialty chemicals joint venture Infineum, targeting an indicative valuation of about $8 billion, but the process is early and may not lead to a deal
What’s happening
According to the Financial Times and Reuters, Shell and ExxonMobil have appointed Bank of America to run a sale process for Infineum
The Oxfordshire‑headquartered company, founded in 1999, produces fuel and lubricant additives sold in roughly 90 countries, with products used in about one‑third of all vehicles worldwide and 70% of electric vehicles
Valuation and financials
Target valuation: ~$8 billion
Annual EBITDA: $700 million–$800 million
Implied multiple: ~10x–11.4x EBITDA
Potential proceeds: ~$4 billion gross to each parent if sold
This is a premium to BP’s $10.1 billion sale of 65% of Castrol in late 2025, which traded at ~8.6x EBITDA
Strategic context
The sale aligns with Shell’s plan to reduce its chemicals exposure by 2030 and refocus capital on oil and gas
ExxonMobil has not publicly commented on the strategy, but both owners must agree to any sale
The move comes amid industry pressures from electric vehicle adoption (reducing engine oil demand) and base oil oversupply
Status and outlook
Stage: Early, exploratory; no deal confirmed
Potential buyers: Private equity firms are expected to be among the main suitors
Market impact: Analysts expect limited immediate effect on crude oil or commodity markets, but a competitive auction could influence specialty chemicals valuations
In summary: Shell and ExxonMobil have placed Infineum on the sales block at an $8 billion target, but the process is preliminary, and a transaction is not guaranteed. The sale reflects both corporate strategy shifts and sector‑wide pressures in the lubricants and chemicals markets