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2 October 2024
FUJAIRAH – Gunvor Group Co-founder and Chairman, Torbjörn Törnqvist, has been honored with the Aramco Trading “New Silk Road CEO of the Year Award” 2024, given on the occasion of the 12th Fujairah Energy Markets Forum.
Held under the patronnage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, Deputy Chairman of the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, the awards recognized leaders reshaping energy markets along the Middle East-Asia corridor.
Dave Ernsberger, Head of Market Reporting & Trading Solutions at S&P Global Commodity Insights, announced the award:
“Torbjörn has always been guided by a clear personal philosophy and set of values, including hard work, operating with integrity, and innovation.”
Your Highness, Excellencies, Distinguished guests and Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening.
It is my pleasure to introduce the winner of the 2024 Aramco Trading New Silk Road CEO of the Year in the category of Trading – Torbjörn Törnqvist, Chairman, Gunvor Group.
Torbjörn has had an extraordinary career spanning more than 40 years in the oil and gas industry. He co-founded Gunvor Group in 2000, and under his leadership the company has grown into one of the world’s leading independent commodities trading companies, with operations in over 100 countries. Gunvor’s business now extends beyond oil trading to include a diverse range of commodities such as natural gasNatural Gas Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane (CH4), but commonly includes varying amounts of other higher alkanes, and sometimes a small percentage..., agriculture, and metals.
Born in Stockholm, Torbjörn began his career at British Petroleum in 1977, where he worked for six years before moving on to become the Head of Oil Trading at Scandinavian Trading Co AB. His deep understanding of the oil markets proved invaluable when he went on to serve as Managing Director for the oil division of Intermaritime Group Petrotrade. That experience prepared him to take the bold step of co-founding Gunvor with Gennady Timchenko in 2000.
Gunvor initially focused on trading Russian crude oilCrude oil refers to unrefined petroleum that is found with the Earth’s crust. to Europe, where it quickly gained a reputation for its ability to navigate the complexities of the Russian oil industry. Torbjörn is known not only for his strong leadership but also for his hands-on management style. He is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the company and is widely respected for his meticulous attention to detail.
His leadership is defined by leading by example. He encourages his employees to take ownership of their work, and his ability to identify and nurture talent within the company has been central to Gunvor’s success.
Torbjörn’s has also been quick to adapt to changing circumstances, critical in the commodity markets, and this has ensured that Gunvor has remained competitive in a fast-evolving global market.
Torbjörn has always been guided by a clear personal philosophy and set of values, including hard work, operating with integrity, and innovation. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner, and I’ve seen this myself in many of the meetings between Platts and Gunvor over the years, including times when we agreed on a point of discussion, and on times when we’ve disagreed. His dedication to operating with integrity has earned him the respect of his peers and has helped to build trust with Gunvor’s partners and customers.
Torbjörn is a strong advocate of innovation, embracing new ideas and technologies, and taking risks to explore new approaches.
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Overall, Torbjörn’s leadership and management style have been instrumental in the success of Gunvor. His focus on results, sense of a wider mission and ability to adapt to changing circumstances have helped the company grow and thrive in a highly competitive industry.
All that remains for me to say is that Torbjörn is a very deserving recipient of this year’s Award in the “Category of Trading” – Congratulations!
BILBAO – Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”), a leading global independent energy trading company, has completed the acquisition of a 75% ownership stake in Bahía De Bizkaia Electricidad S.L. (“BBE”), a 785MW combined cycle power plant located in Bilbao, Spain from bp.
The deal, announced in December 2023, has been approved by all relevant regulatory bodies, including the European Union (EU) Commission’s review of Merger Control (EUMR) and Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR).
Ente Vasco de la Energía (“EVE”), the energy agency of Basque Country, holds the remaining 25% ownership stake in BBE.
BBE is Gunvor’s first investment in a power generation asset, while expanding the company’s commitment to developing Spain’s energy sector. Gunvor’s strength in natural gas/LNG and growing power business will complement operations at the plant and contribute positively to Spain’s economy over the long-term.
About Gunvor
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, bulk materials, and base metals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $127 billion on volumes of 177 million MT in 2023, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com
LAHORE – Gunvor Group, a leading global commodities trading company, has signed an agreement to purchase TotalEnergies’ 50% stake in Total PARCO Pakistan Limited (TPPL).
TPPL is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies Marketing and Services and Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO) in Pakistan with a retail network of more than 800 service stations, fuel logistics, and lubricants activities.
The new entity will continue its retail business under the existing “Total Parco” brand, and its lubricants business under the “Total” brand in Pakistan, continuing to serve its customers.
The acquisition remains subject to authorization by the relevant authorities and related agreements.
About Gunvor
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, bulk materials, and base metals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $127 billion on volumes of 177 million MT in 2023, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.
ZUG / GENEVA – Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”) will join VARO Energy (“VARO”) in building a large-scale SAF manufacturing facility at the Gunvor Energy Rotterdam site through a proposed joint venture.
Since VARO announced on September 7, 2023 its intention to build a large scale SAF facility as a sole owner with total feedstock capacity of 350 kt pa., the project has made good progress.
Under the terms of the agreement, costs, and risks to develop the plant up to the final investment decision (FID) will be shared on an equal basis. Upon joint FID, and subject to necessary regulatory approvals, VARO and Gunvor will form a project company owned equally by both parties.
Following a rigorous project development process, the basis of design has been finalised and the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase is expected to be completed in Q4 2024.
The facility is being designed to be able to process a variety of feedstocks. It will also have the capability to produce either SAF or HVO end products, allowing VARO and Gunvor to capture potential value by switching based on market conditions and regulatory requirements.
The location of the future facility, on the brownfield location of the Gunvor Energy Rotterdam site, will see it benefit from extensive existing infrastructure. This includes the transportation and relevant pipeline network, existing utilities and port facilities and geographic proximity to key customers and markets in Northern Europe and beyond.
Aviation is a vital and growing part of the global economy, connecting people and businesses around the world. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Through this investment, VARO and Gunvor will support the aviation sector's decarbonisation with the capacity to produce SAF equivalent to 7% of the current SAF mandate set by the European Union for 2030.
Torbjörn Törnqvist, CEO of Gunvor, said:
“Large scale production and adoption of SAF are critical to meeting the airline industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We look forward to working with VARO to develop SAF production at our site in Rotterdam, which is a strategically central location with proximity to extensive port facilities, major European airports, and well-developed energy infrastructure.”
Dev Sanyal, CEO of VARO Energy, said:
“If efforts to decarbonise aviation are to be successful, it is essential that European SAF supply increases to meet mandated demand growth by the end of the decade. This can only be achieved by designing and constructing production facilities leveraging existing infrastructure coupled with the ability to process the widest range of feedstocks and the flexibility to produce both HVO and SAF. At VARO, we have developed this project with a focus on cost competitiveness in order to be a reliable counterparty for our customers’ growing demand.
Strong partnerships between companies will accelerate this pathway and I am delighted that Gunvor will be joining us as an equal partner. Our focus now is on completing FEED this year in order to move towards a Final Investment Decision.”
Notes to editors
About SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a ‘drop-in’ fuel. It is compatible with existing aircraft and fuel logistics infrastructure without requiring any modifications. At scale, SAF has an important role to play in helping the aviation industry decarbonise. Used as a direct replacement for conventional aviation fuel, SAF offers up to 90% Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) savings, allowing the commercial aviation sector to decarbonise the vast majority of its emissions.
About VARO Energy
VARO Energy (“VARO”) is the partner of choice for customers in the energy transition by providing the sustainable and reliable energy solutions that they need to decarbonise. Engine 1 includes manufacturing, storage, distribution, marketing, and trading of conventional energies. Engine 2 activities are focused on sustainable energies and include biofuels, biogas, green hydrogen, e-mobility, and nature-based carbon removals. VARO plans to invest around $3.5 billion over the 2022-26 period, with two-third committed to sustainable energies. The company has a net zero target for scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. VARO, a private company owned by Carlyle Group (66.66%) and Vitol (33.33%) is headquartered in Switzerland with a diversified presence in twenty-six countries.
About Gunvor
Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy, bulk materials, and base metals from where they are sourced and stored to where they are demanded most. Gunvor, which generated turnover of US $127 billion on volumes of 177 million MT in 2023, has committed to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2025. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com
SINGAPORE – Gunvor Singapore Pte. Ltd. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor” or the “Group”), has closed a US $1.2 billion sustainability-linked, syndicated revolving credit facility (“RCF” or “Facility”) on 14 June 2024.
The Facility, which was launched initially at US $750 million in April 2024, benefited from strong support from Gunvor’s banking partners and attracted new banks, and closed significantly oversubscribed by over 60%, increasing the total facility amount from the previous year. The Borrower has further upsized the Facility by US $120 million via an accordion feature, which was structured to accommodate two banks that joined the Facility after signing, bringing the total Facility amount to US$1.32 billion as of 12 July 2024.
The 364-day Facility, which is guaranteed by the Company and includes two 12-month extension options, will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including the refinancing of the Borrower’s existing US$ 1.035 billion 2023 Asia Sustainability-linked Revolving Credit Facility.
Similar to previous financings, the Facility includes four sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) supporting the Group’s strong commitment to improve the environmental impact of its trading operations and to invest in sustainable commodities and businesses. The KPIs relate to the reduction of Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions associated with the improvement of energy efficiency of the shipping fleet; the investment in non-fossil fuel projects; and the assessment of the Group's assets, JVs and suppliers against Human Rights principles. Each KPI is tested annually and verified externally in line with LMA SLL principles.
"The successful renewal of our Asian RCF is the result of the deep collaboration between Gunvor and its banking partners. The strong relationship we have with our core financing partners, enhanced by the welcome addition of several new lenders into our upsized anchor facility, demonstrates their support for the Group’s strong performance and positive outlook," said Jean Rohr, Gunvor’s Regional CFO for Asia-Pacific.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, China CITIC Bank International Limited, DBS Bank Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited were mandated to arrange the Facility and acted as the Active Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers for the Facility. Agricultural Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch, Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation, Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C), Singapore Branch, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC – Singapore Branch, Natixis, Singapore Branch and State Bank of India, Singapore Branch remain as the Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers. Indian Bank and Union Bank of India, DIFC Branch, Dubai joined as new Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers. DBS Bank Ltd. also acted as syndication coordination agent, while Natixis, Singapore Branch also acted as Facility Agent, legal and documentation agent and sustainability coordinator of the Facility.
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Singapore Branch, UBS AG, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Singapore Branch, and ING Bank N.V., Singapore Branch are Senior Mandated Lead Arrangers.
China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited, Shanghai Branch joined as a new Mandated Lead Arranger, while Mizuho Bank, Ltd, Société Générale, a public limited company incorporated in France, acting through its Hong Kong branch, and United Overseas Bank Limited are Mandated Lead Arrangers.
Furthermore, Westpac Banking Corporation, Singapore Branch, Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch and China Construction Bank Corporation Singapore Branch all joined as new Lead Arrangers, whereas Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Singapore Branch, Habib Bank Limited, Singapore Branch, Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, Singapore Branch, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch are the Lead Arrangers.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited Singapore Branch, Banque Internationale de Commerce - BRED (Suisse) SA, and National Bank of Fujairah PJSC remain as Arrangers.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor Group is one of the world's largest independent commodities trading houses by trading volume, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced to where it is demanded most. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure (refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals), Gunvor further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. The Group's 3 main trading hubs are in Geneva, Singapore and Houston, with other trading offices in Stamford, Dubai, London and Shanghai, supported by a network of more than 20 representative and other trading offices around the globe.
The partnership aims to develop up to 3GW of solar capacity and marks Gunvor’s expansion into the solar sector alongside renewable energy specialist Quercus
LONDON -- Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”), a leading global energy commodities trading company, together with Quercus Real Assets Limited (“Quercus”), the London-based renewable specialist focused on international investments within the Energy Transition, proudly announce a landmark solar development partnership that targets the development of up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Italy.
Under the terms of the deal, Quercus will draw on its established track record of developing renewable projects—from permitting to “ready to build” status—and combine that with Gunvor’s ability to fund, manage, and optimize assets through power purchasing agreements (“PPAs”). The solar sites will be strategically located across all regions in Italy, granting Gunvor the option to acquire and enter into PPAs with the assets.
“Gunvor’s first material investment in the solar space fully aligns with Nyera’s commitment to the Energy Transition and our ambition to build up a renewable power portfolio.” said Fredrik Törnqvist, Managing Director of Nyera, Gunvor’s renewables investment vehicle.
The Italian solar market is among the most advanced in Europe, thanks to a well-developed regulatory framework and recent legislative changes that support the integration of solar infrastructure with agriculture.
“Given the essential role of agriculture in the Italian economy, it is crucial to align solar investments with agricultural preservation to ensure long-term sustainability,” said Diego Biasi, co-founder and CEO of Quercus. “At Quercus, we have consistently invested in renewables to enhance our surroundings. I am pleased to collaborate with a prominent partner like Gunvor, sharing our values and advancing our successful investment initiatives.”
Aldo Della Valle, Gunvor’s Head of Power & Natural Gas Trading, added: “This landmark solar venture will further complement Gunvor’s recently announced intention to acquire bp’s Spanish powerplant and is another step in our strategy of building up a portfolio in Europe composed of conventional flexibility and renewable power positions to enhance our power and gas trading activities.”
The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
About Quercus Real Assets
Quercus Real Assets Limited is a renewable energy specialist focused on energy transition investments, with offices in London and Dubai. Diego Biasi and Simone Borla founded Quercus by establishing a Luxembourg-based fund which successfully completed over €1bn in gross investments from inception in five different successful strategies. In January 2020, Diego Biasi started to steer Quercus's business in response to the evolution of the energy sector into a more diversified strategic investment approach. Quercus has successfully completed over 40 deals up to date. Since 2010 the strategy of the company has been founded on the belief that the creation of long-term environmental and social capital underpins and strengthens investors' and shareholders' returns. Quercus is committed to developing business opportunities and supporting responsible investments for sustainable income and capital returns while contributing to a carbon-neutral future. For further information, please visit www.quercusrealassets.com
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company, which in 2023 generated US $127 billion in revenue on 177 million MT of volumes. For more information, visit GunvorGroup.com.
About Nyera
Nyera, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gunvor Group, is dedicated to identifying Energy Transition investments, including new sustainable commodities and businesses. Nyera’s trading and investment activities are performed on a commercial basis, and the company is deliberate in entering areas of opportunity that will ensure a sustainable long-term model. Current areas of investment include solar, biofuel, biogas, green hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and zero-emission maritime transportation, among other renewables-focused projects. For more information, visit Nyera.com.
La partnership mira a sviluppare fino a 3 GW di capacità solare e segna l’espansione di Gunvor nel settore solare insieme a Quercus, specialista in energie rinnovabili
LONDRA -- Gunvor Group (“Gunvor”), una delle principali società di trading di materie prime nel settore dell’energia a livello mondiale, insieme a Quercus Real Assets Limited (“Quercus”), specialista in energie rinnovabili con sede a Londra che investe a livello internazionale nell’ambito della transizione energetica, annunciano con soddisfazione una storica partnership per lo sviluppo di progetti ad energia solare con lo scopo di raggiungere una capacità installata prossima ai 3 gigawatt (GW) in Italia.
Secondo i termini dell’accordo, Quercus attingerà alla sua comprovata esperienza nello sviluppo di progetti rinnovabili – dall’autorizzazione alla cantierabilità – in combinazione con la capacità di Gunvor di finanziare, gestire e ottimizzare le risorse attraverso contratti per l’acquisto di energia (“ PPA”). I progetti saranno strategicamente posizionati in quasi tutte le regioni d’Italia, garantendo a Gunvor la possibilità di acquisire e stipulare PPA quando gli impianti saranno in esercizio.
“Il primo investimento significativo di Gunvor nel settore fotovoltaico è pienamente in linea con l’impegno di Nyera, impegnata in progetti nell’ambito della transizione energetica e la nostra ambizione di costruire un portafoglio di asset ad energia rinnovabile”, ha affermato Fredrik Törnqvist, amministratore delegato di Nyera, il veicolo di investimento per le energie rinnovabili di Gunvor.
Il mercato solare italiano è tra i più avanzati in Europa, grazie ad un quadro normativo ben sviluppato e ai recenti cambiamenti legislativi che supportano l’integrazione delle infrastrutture solari con l’agricoltura.
“Dato il ruolo essenziale dell’agricoltura nell’economia italiana, è fondamentale strutturare gli investimenti nel solare preservando l’ecosistema dell’agricoltura per garantirne la sostenibilità a lungo termine”, ha affermato Diego Biasi, co-fondatore e CEO di Quercus. “In Quercus, abbiamo costantemente investito nelle energie rinnovabili per migliorare l’ambiente che ci circonda. Sono lieto di collaborare con un partner di standing elevato come Gunvor, condividere i nostri valori e dare seguito ad iniziative di investimento che nel tempo hanno registrato un crescente successo”.
Aldo Della Valle, Head of Power & Natural Gas Trading di Gunvor, ha aggiunto: “Questa storica iniziativa nel solare integra ulteriormente l’iniziativa recentemente annunciata da Gunvor di acquisire la centrale elettrica spagnola di BP e rappresenta un altro passo nella nostra strategia finalizzata a costruire un portafoglio in Europa composto da asset ad energia convenzionale e rinnovabile per migliorare le nostre attività di trading di energia e gas”.
L’accordo rimane soggetto all’approvazione in ottemperanza alla normativa vigente ed alle consuete condizioni propedeutiche al perfezionamento.
Nota agli editori
Informazioni su Quercus Real Assets
Quercus Real Assets Limited è uno specialista in energie rinnovabili con focus in investimenti nell’ambito della transizione energetica, con uffici a Londra e Dubai. Diego Biasi e Simone Borla hanno fondato Quercus creando un fondo con sede in Lussemburgo che ha completato con successo oltre 1 miliardo di euro di investimenti in cinque diverse strategie. Nel gennaio 2020, Diego Biasi ha indirizzato l'attività di Quercus, in risposta all'evoluzione del settore energetico, verso un approccio di investimento strategico più diversificato. Quercus ha completato con soddisfazione oltre 40 operazioni ad oggi. Dal 2010 la strategia della società si è fondata sulla convinzione che la creazione di valore con attenzione ai principi ESG a lungo termine sostenga e rafforzi i rendimenti degli investitori e degli azionisti. Quercus è impegnata a sviluppare opportunità di business e a sostenere investimenti responsabili per redditi e rendimenti di capitale sostenibili, contribuendo, al contempo, ad un futuro a zero emissioni di carbonio. Per ulteriori informazioni visitare QuercusRealAssets.com
Informazioni sul gruppo Gunvor
Gunvor è una delle più grandi società indipendenti di trading di materie prime al mondo per fatturato. Gunvor crea soluzioni logistiche che spostano in modo sicuro ed efficiente l’energia da dove viene prodotta e immagazzinata a dove è maggiormente richiesta. Gunvor ha investimenti strategici in infrastrutture industriali – raffinerie, oleodotti, depositi e terminali – che completano l’attività commerciale principale e generano valore sostenibile lungo tutta la catena di fornitura globale per i propri clienti. L’azienda, che nel 2023 ha generato ricavi per 127 miliardi di dollari su 177 milioni di tonnellate di volumi. Per ulteriori informazioni, visitare GunvorGroup.com.
A proposito di Nyera
Nyera, societa’ interamente controllata da Gunvor Group, è impegnata a identificare investimenti nell’ambito della transizione energetica, compresi nuovi prodotti e attività sostenibili. Le attività di trading e investimento di Nyera vengono svolte su base commerciale, la società mira ad entrare in aree di opportunità che garantiranno un modello sostenibile a lungo termine. Le attuali aree di investimento includono l’energia solare, i biocarburanti, il biogas, l’idrogeno verde, il gas naturale rinnovabile e il trasporto marittimo a emissioni zero, oltre ad altri progetti incentrati sulle energie rinnovabili. Per ulteriori informazioni, visitare Nyera.com.
Esta alianza estratégica tiene el objetivo de desarrollar hasta 3 GW de capacidad solar fotovoltaica y supone una fuerte expansión de Gunvor en el sector solar junto con Quercus, especialista en energías renovables
LONDRES -- Gunvor Group ("Gunvor"), líder mundial en el trading de energía, junto con Quercus Real Assets Limited ("Quercus"), especialista en energías renovables con sede en Londres y centrada en inversiones internacionales en el espacio de la transición energética, anuncian con orgullo una alianza histórica para el desarrollo de energía solar que tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de hasta 3 gigavatios (GW) de capacidad solar fotovoltaica en Italia.
Según los términos de la operación, esta empresa aprovechará la sólida trayectoria en el desarrollo de proyectos de energías renovables de Quercus – desde la obtención de permisos hasta su construcción –, combinándola con la capacidad de Gunvor para financiar, gestionar y optimizar activos a través de acuerdos de compra de energía ("PPA"). Los emplazamientos solares estarán situados estratégicamente en todas las regiones de Italia, dando a Gunvor la opción de adquirir y suscribir PPAs con los activos.
"Esta primera gran inversión de Gunvor en el sector solar está plenamente alineada con el compromiso de Nyera en materia de transición energética y con nuestra ambición de construir una cartera europea de energía renovable", declaró Fredrik Törnqvist, director general de Nyera, el vehículo de inversión en energías renovables de Gunvor.
El mercado solar italiano es uno de los más avanzados de Europa, gracias a un marco regulatorio bien desarrollado y a los recientes cambios legislativos que apoyan la integración de la infraestructura solar con la agricultura.
"Dado el papel esencial de la agricultura en la economía italiana, es crucial alinear las inversiones solares con la preservación de la agricultura para garantizar la sostenibilidad a largo plazo", afirmó Diego Biasi, cofundador y consejero delegado de Quercus. "En Quercus, hemos invertido sistemáticamente en energías renovables para mejorar nuestro entorno. Me complace colaborar con un socio tan destacado como Gunvor, que comparte nuestros valores y promueve nuestras exitosas iniciativas de inversión".
Aldo Della Valle, responsable de trading de electricidad y gas natural de Gunvor, añadió: "Esta histórica operación solar complementará la adquisición anunciada recientemente de la central de ciclo combinado de bp en España, y constituye un paso más en nuestra estrategia de creación de una cartera paneuropea de activos compuesta por flexibilidad convencional y energías renovables, con el fin de impulsar nuestras actividades de trading de electricidad y gas".
La operación está sujeta a la aprobación de las autoridades reguladoras y a otras condiciones de cierre habituales.
Acerca de Quercus Real Assets
Quercus Real Assets Limited es una empresa especializada en energías renovables y en inversiones en transición energética, con oficinas en Londres y Dubái.
Diego Biasi y Simone Borla fundaron Quercus mediante la creación de un fondo con sede en Luxemburgo que ha completado con éxito más de 1.000 millones de euros en inversiones brutas desde su creación en cinco estrategias de éxito diferentes. En enero de 2020, Diego Biasi comenzó a dirigir el negocio de Quercus en respuesta a la evolución del sector energético hacia un enfoque de inversión estratégica más diversificado. Quercus ha completado con éxito más de 40 operaciones hasta la fecha.
Desde 2010, la estrategia de la empresa se basa en la convicción de que la creación de capital medioambiental y social a largo plazo sustenta y refuerza los rendimientos de los inversores y accionistas. Quercus está comprometida con el desarrollo de oportunidades de negocio y el apoyo a las inversiones responsables para obtener ingresos sostenibles y rendimientos de capital, al tiempo que contribuye a un futuro neutro en carbono.
Para más información visite www.quercusrealassets.com
Acerca de Gunvor Group
Gunvor es una de las mayores empresas independientes de trading de materias primas del mundo por volumen de negocio, aportando soluciones logísticas para mover la energía física de forma segura y eficiente desde donde se obtiene y almacena hasta donde más se demanda. Gunvor cuenta con inversiones estratégicas en infraestructuras industriales – refinerías, oleoductos, almacenamiento y terminales – que complementan nuestra actividad principal de trading y generan valor sostenible en toda la cadena de suministro mundial para nuestros clientes. La empresa, que en 2023 generó unos ingresos de 127.000 millones de dólares con 177 millones de toneladas de volumen. Para más información, visite GunvorGroup.com.
Acerca de Nyera
Nyera, filial al 100% del Grupo Gunvor, se dedica a identificar y ejecutar inversiones en Transición Energética, incluyendo nuevas energías y negocios sostenibles. Las actividades comerciales y de inversión de Nyera se llevan a cabo sobre una base comercial, y la empresa está decidida a entrar en áreas de oportunidad que garanticen un modelo sostenible a largo plazo. Las áreas de inversión actuales incluyen la energía solar, los biocombustibles, el biogás, el hidrógeno verde, el gas natural renovable y el transporte marítimo de emisiones cero, entre otros proyectos centrados en las energías renovables. Para más información, visite Nyera.com.
LIBREVILLE – The Gabon National Oil Company (Gabon Oil Company), which exercised its pre-emptive rights in November 2023 and subsequently entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Carlyle in February 2024, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of Assala Energy, an oil exploration and production company active in Gabon, whose daily production is around 45,000 barrels.
This acquisition was done with the financial backing of Gunvor Group, a leading global energy commodities trading company based in Switzerland.
According to Marcellin SIMBA NGABI, Gabon Oil Company’s Chief Executive Officer, this acquisition is of paramount importance for the Republic of Gabon, unique shareholder of Gabon Oil Company. It will enable the Republic of Gabon, reinforce its control and sovereignty over its oil and gas reserves, and significantly increases its oil revenues.
“Gunvor is proud to have been selected as Gabon’s partner for this strategic acquisition,” said Stephane Degenne, Member of Gunvor Group’s Executive Committee. “As a leading global oil trading company, Gunvor brings its strengths—global market expertise and financing—to support GOC’s energy agenda.”
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company in 2023 generated US $127 billion in revenue on 177 million MT of volumes.
Gunvor Group Ltd (“Gunvor”), one of the world’s leading independent commodities trading companies, today announces the following financial information for the year ended 31 December 2023:
Throughout 2023, Gunvor’s focus on advanced analytics and trading systems, and an infusion of new talent and business lines, enabled the Group to effectively navigate normalizing market conditions to deliver the second strongest trading result in the Group’s history, with a net income of $1.252 billion.
Market conditions were broadly less favorable for commodities trading than the previous year. While sanctions-related market dislocations resulting from the war in Ukraine continued, commodities markets struggled with numerous new headwinds, including: a weaker than expected Chinese economy, monetary tightening, a stronger US dollar, and an oil supply cut by OPEC+. The very high price volatility across energy commodities in 2022 gradually decreased over 2023, and prices normalized, particularly in natural gas. By year end, they achieved a level consistent with long-term trends.
Nevertheless, the investments Gunvor has made within the Group in recent years contributed to a strong performance. Gross profit for the year was US $3.248 billion, with after-tax net profit of US $1.252 billion. The result includes US $467 million in provisions taken related to the settlement of the Ecuador case, along with other non-recurring expenses.
Gunvor’s trading performance was broad based, once again across all desks and geographies, with meaningful contributions from the Group’s assets, including refining and shipping, as well as many of the new trading activities Gunvor is developing. The Group’s revenue fell to US $127 billion from US $150 billion the previous year, reflecting the decline in commodities prices; whereas total trading volumes increased to 177 million MT, up from 165 million MT, driven by the growth in new talent and business lines.
With its commitment to retain the majority of its profits in the company, the Group further continued to build its equity position. By year end, it reached a historic high of US $6.157 billion, representing a more than three-fold increase over the last five years. The Group’s strengthened equity allows for greater access to liquidity and the ability to move quickly on trading and investment opportunities as they arise.
Gunvor continued its sustainability journey by further defining targets addressing areas such as carbon footprint, reduction of CO2 emissions in all activities, waste and wastewater management, human rights and improvements to safety. Notably in 2023, Gunvor calculated for the first time the total Scope 3 emissions of the Group’s traded products from production to combustion, with the aim of defining clear carbon intensity for each flow and defining targeted approaches to reduce it. The data will be available in Gunvor’s 2023 Sustainability & Ethics report to be published mid-2024.
Gunvor’s shareholding at year-end stood at 84.21% held by Torbjörn Törnqvist, the majority beneficial owner, with the remaining 15.79% held by the Gunvor Employee Shareplan. There are no outside shareholders or economic interests.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers.
LONDON - Gunvor and Pakistan LNG Limited confirm they have now settled all outstanding legal proceedings on terms satisfactory to all concerned. The parties look forward to continuing to work together. The terms and details of the settlement are subject to confidentiality agreements.
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company, which in 2022 generated U.S. $150 billion in revenue on 165 million MT of volumes, is the leading independent global trader of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
HOUSTON & BROWNSVILLE - Texas LNG Brownsville LLC (“Texas LNG”), a four million tonnes per annum (“MTPA”) liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) export terminal to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, Texas, a subsidiary of Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC (“Glenfarne”), has signed a Heads of Agreement (“HOA”) with Gunvor Group through its subsidiary Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd (“Gunvor”) for a 20-year LNG FOB sale and purchase agreement (“SPA”) for 0.5 MTPA of LNG from Texas LNG.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Gunvor to our portfolio of customers, connecting Texas LNG, one of the lowest-emitting liquefaction facilities in the world, with global economies in need of reliable, sustainable energy,” said Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder, Glenfarne Energy Transition and Co-President of Texas LNG.
“With the previously announced commencement of the execution phase of the project financing process, this agreement aligns with our plan to take a final investment decision on Texas LNG this year,” said Vlad Bluzer, Co-President of Texas LNG.
“We are pleased to have executed this agreement and become one of the foundation buyers of the Texas LNG project. Gunvor continues to support US LNG export projects, unlocking new supplies for the global energy market and providing energy security especially to our customers in Europe and Asia” said Kalpesh Patel, Co-Head of LNG Trading of Gunvor.
Today’s news follows Texas LNG’s recently announced LNG tolling agreement with EQT Corporation (“EQT”). Texas LNG also recently announced partnerships with Baker Hughes, ABB and Gulf LNG Tugs of Texas. These partnerships total nearly one billion dollars of investment into the project.
Glenfarne Energy Transition, a developer, owner, and operator of energy transition infrastructure, is the majority owner and managing member of Texas LNG. Texas LNG will achieve financial close and begin construction in 2024 commencing commercial operations in 2028. Glenfarne Energy Transition is also the sole owner and developer of the 8.8 MTPA Magnolia LNG in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
About Texas LNG
Texas LNG is a 4 MTPA LNG export facility to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, Texas and a subsidiary of global energy transition leader, Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC. Texas LNG is led by an experienced team committed to creating one of the cleanest, lowest emitting LNG export facilities in the world through electric motor drives. Additional information about Texas LNG may be found on its website at www.texaslng.com
About Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC
Glenfarne Energy Transition is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenfarne Group, a privately held energy and infrastructure development and management firm based in New York City and Houston, Texas, with offices in Dallas, Texas; Panama City, Panama; Santiago, Chile; Bogota, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. Glenfarne Energy Transition aims to address the “here and now” global energy transition through three core businesses: Global LNG Solutions, Renewables, and Grid Stability. The company’s seasoned executives, asset managers, and operators develop, acquire, manage, and operate energy infrastructure assets throughout North and South America. For more information, please visit www.GlenfarneEnergyTransition.com
About Gunvor Group
Gunvor is one of the world's largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement our core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company, which in 2022 generated U.S. $150 billion in revenue on 165 million MT of volumes, is the leading independent global trader of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
NEW YORK – Gunvor S.A. (“Gunvor” or “the Company”) has agreed to resolve the investigation by authorities in the United States into past activities relating to bribery in Ecuador. Gunvor has accepted responsibility for the actions of certain of its former agents and employees – all of whom Gunvor stopped working with years ago and before it learned of the U.S. investigation – and pled guilty in federal court in New York on March 1, 2024.
Under the terms of the U.S. resolution, Gunvor will pay a $374,560,071 fine and forfeit $287,138,444. The resolution recognizes Gunvor’s extensive cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation, which led to a significant reduction of the Company’s fine, as well as the efforts Gunvor has made to strengthen its compliance program.
Gunvor Group Chairman, Torbjörn Törnqvist, remarked: “As a company Gunvor made mistakes at the time, for which we are sorry and that we have worked diligently to fix. Today, Gunvor upholds an industry-leading compliance program that we are committed to continuously enhance. Corruption has no place in our company and will never be tolerated.”
Since the relevant conduct at issue in this resolution began in 2011, Gunvor has taken significant steps to develop its then-nascent compliance program and remedy the root causes that led to this matter. Gunvor acknowledges that in 2011 its compliance program had shortcomings that allowed for corrupt activities, including the misconduct in Congo-Brazzaville that Gunvor resolved with the Swiss authorities in 2019 and the activities by former employees and agents in Ecuador now at issue.
In response to the Congo-Brazzaville matter, Gunvor invested considerably in developing its compliance program. Although Gunvor conducted due diligence on the former employees and agents involved in Ecuador, these controls were unable to detect their misconduct. But the compliance program improved over time. In 2020, before Gunvor learned of DOJ’s investigation in this matter, the Company suspended payments to the agents in Ecuador because they failed to adequately respond to questions and requests from Gunvor’s compliance officers. Gunvor later terminated the agents, still before learning of DOJ’s investigation.
Gunvor has further strengthened its compliance program and has fortified its culture of compliance worldwide. Most significantly, Gunvor has taken the industry-leading step to terminate relationships with any and all third-party agents responsible for business development. Recently, Gunvor announced that its anti-bribery and corruption compliance program would be part of a new Ethics & Sustainability Department, designed to bolster Gunvor’s ability to respond to an evolving and ever-changing regulatory environment and to ensure that Gunvor’s commercial activities are managed in the most efficient and compliant manner possible.
In recognition of the merits of Gunvor’s current compliance program and the Company’s commitment to continuous enhancement of that program and other internal controls, DOJ agreed that an independent compliance monitor was unnecessary as part of the resolution.
NOTES:
Gunvor résout l’enquête du Department of Justice américain sur l’Équateur
NEW YORK — Gunvor S.A. (« Gunvor » ou « la Société ») a accepté de résoudre l’enquête menée par les autorités américaines sur des activités passées liées à de la corruption en Équateur. Gunvor a accepté la responsabilité des actions de certains de ses anciens représentants et employés - avec lesquels Gunvor a cessé de travailler il y a désormais plusieurs années et avant même d’être informée de l’enquête américaine - plaidant coupable devant le tribunal fédéral de New York le 1er mars 2024.
Selon les termes de l'accord, Gunvor devra s’acquitter d’une amende de 374'560'071 USD et se verra confisquer 287'138'444 USD. L'accord reconnaît la coopération étendue de Gunvor dans le cadre de l’enquête du Département américain de la Justice (Department of Justice, DOJ), qui a contribué à une réduction significative de l’amende de la Société, ainsi que les efforts déployés par celle-ci pour renforcer son programme de compliance.
Le président du groupe Gunvor, Torbjörn Törnqvist, a déclaré : « En tant que société, Gunvor a commis des erreurs à l’époque, pour lesquelles nous sommes sincèrement désolés et que nous nous efforçons de corriger. Aujourd’hui, Gunvor dispose d’un programme de compliance à la pointe de l’industrie, que nous nous engageons à améliorer en permanence. La corruption n’a pas sa place dans notre entreprise et ne sera jamais tolérée. »
Depuis 2011, date à laquelle les faits – visés par cet accord – ont vu le jour, Gunvor a pris des mesures significatives pour développer son programme de compliance alors naissant, et remédier aux causes profondes qui ont conduit à cette affaire. Gunvor reconnaît qu’en 2011, son programme de compliance présentait des lacunes, lesquelles ont permis la réalisation d'actes corruptifs, y compris la mauvaise conduite au Congo-Brazzaville que Gunvor a résolue avec les autorités suisses en 2019, ainsi que les activités des anciens employés et représentants en Équateur qui sont aujourd’hui en cause.
En réponse à l’affaire du Congo-Brazzaville, Gunvor a considérablement investi dans le développement de son programme de compliance. Bien que Gunvor ait mené des contrôles préalables sur les anciens employés et représentants impliqués en Équateur, ces contrôles n’ont pas permis de détecter leur comportement fautif. Toutefois, le programme de compliance s’est amélioré au fil du temps. En 2020, avant que Gunvor n’apprenne l’existence de l’enquête du DOJ par rapport à cette affaire, la société avait suspendu les versements aux représentants en Équateur car ces derniers n’avaient pas répondu de manière adéquate aux questions et aux demandes des responsables du programme de compliance de Gunvor. Gunvor a par la suite licencié les représentants, avant même d’avoir pris connaissance de l’enquête du DOJ.
Gunvor a encore renforcé son programme de compliance et a consolidé sa culture de compliance dans le monde entier. Plus important encore, Gunvor a pris une mesure inédite au sein de l’industrie, en mettant fin aux relations avec tous les agents responsables du développement des activités. Récemment, Gunvor a annoncé que son programme de compliance anticorruption ferait partie d’un nouveau département d’éthique et de durabilité, mis en place pour renforcer la capacité de Gunvor à répondre à un environnement réglementaire en constante évolution et garantir que les activités commerciales de Gunvor soient gérées de la manière la plus efficace et la plus conforme possible.
En reconnaissance des mérites du programme de compliance actuel de Gunvor et de l’engagement de la Société à améliorer continuellement ce programme et d’autres contrôles internes, le DOJ a convenu qu’un contrôleur compliance indépendant n’était pas nécessaire dans le cadre de l'accord.
REMARQUES :
Gunvor stellt Ermittlungen des Justizministeriums der Vereinigten Staaten gegen Ecuador ein
NEW YORK – Gunvor S.A. („Gunvor“ oder „das Unternehmen“) hat zugestimmt, die Ermittlungen der Behörden in den Vereinigten Staaten über frühere Aktivitäten im Zusammenhang mit Bestechung in Ecuador einzustellen. Gunvor hat die Verantwortung für die Handlungen einiger seiner ehemaligen Agenten und Mitarbeiter übernommen – mit denen Gunvor bereits vor Jahren und vor Kenntnis der US-amerikanischen Ermittlungen nicht mehr zusammenarbeitete – und sich am 1. März 2024 vor einem Bundesgericht in New York für schuldig erklärt.
Gemäß den Bedingungen der US-amerikanischen Resolution wird Gunvor eine Geldstrafe in Höhe von 374.560.071 US-Dollar zahlen und 287.138.444 US-Dollar einbüßen. Der Beschluss würdigt die umfassende Kooperation von Gunvor bei der Untersuchung des Justizministeriums der Vereinigten Staaten (DOJ), die zu einer deutlichen Reduzierung der Geldstrafe des Unternehmens geführt hat, sowie die Anstrengungen, die Gunvor zur Stärkung seines Compliance-Programms unternommen hat.
Der Vorsitzende von Gunvor Group, Torbjörn Törnqvist, bemerkte dazu: „Als Unternehmen hat Gunvor damals Fehler gemacht, für die wir uns entschuldigen und an deren Behebung wir sorgfältig gearbeitet haben. Heute verfügt Gunvor über ein branchenweit führendes Compliance-Programm, das wir kontinuierlich weiterentwickeln wollen. In unserem Unternehmen hat Korruption keinen Platz und wird nicht toleriert.“
Seit Beginn des relevanten Verhaltens, um das es in dieser Resolution geht, mit Beginn im Jahr 2011, hat Gunvor bedeutende Schritte unternommen, um sein damals gerade entstehendes Compliance-Programm weiterzuentwickeln und die Ursachen zu beseitigen, die zu dieser Angelegenheit geführt haben. Gunvor gibt zu, dass sein Compliance-Programm im Jahr 2011 Mängel aufwies, die korrupte Aktivitäten ermöglichten, einschließlich des Fehlverhaltens in Kongo-Brazzaville, das Gunvor 2019 mit den Schweizer Behörden geklärt hat, und der Aktivitäten ehemaliger Mitarbeiter und Agenten in Ecuador, um die es jetzt geht.
Als Reaktion auf die Angelegenheit in Kongo-Brazzaville hat Gunvor erheblich in die Entwicklung seines Compliance-Programms investiert. Obwohl Gunvor die ehemaligen Mitarbeiter und Agenten in Ecuador einer Sorgfaltspflicht unterzogen hat, konnten diese Maßnahmen ihr Fehlverhalten nicht aufdecken. Das Compliance-Programm wurde jedoch im Laufe der Zeit verbessert. Im Jahr 2020, bevor Gunvor von der Untersuchung des DOJ in dieser Angelegenheit erfuhr, stellte das Unternehmen die Zahlungen an die Agenten in Ecuador ein, weil sie nicht angemessen auf die Fragen und Bitten der Compliance-Beauftragten von Gunvor reagierten. Gunvor entließ die Agenten später, noch bevor es von der Untersuchung des DOJ erfuhr.
Gunvor hat sein Compliance-Programm weiter ausgebaut und seine Compliance-Kultur weltweit gefestigt. Vor allem aber hat Gunvor den branchenweit führenden Schritt unternommen, die Beziehungen zu allen Drittanbietern, die für die Entwicklung des Geschäfts zuständig sind, zu beenden. Kürzlich gab Gunvor bekannt, dass das Programm zur Bekämpfung von Bestechung und Korruption Teil einer neuen Abteilung für Ethik und Nachhaltigkeit sein wird, die Gunvor in die Lage versetzen soll, auf ein sich ständig veränderndes regulatorisches Umfeld zu reagieren und sicherzustellen, dass die kommerziellen Aktivitäten von Gunvor auf möglichst effiziente und gesetzeskonforme Weise verwaltet werden.
In Anerkennung der Vorzüge des derzeitigen Compliance-Programms von Gunvor und des Engagements des Unternehmens für eine kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung dieses Programms und anderer interner Prüfungen stimmte das DOJ zu, dass ein unabhängiger Mitarbeiter für die Überwachung der Compliance im Rahmen der Lösung nicht erforderlich sei.
ANMERKUNGEN:
Gunvor resuelve la investigación del Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU. sobre Ecuador
NUEVA YORK – Gunvor S.A. (“Gunvor” o “la Empresa”) ha acordado resolver la investigación de las autoridades de los Estados Unidos sobre actividades pasadas relacionadas con el soborno en Ecuador. Gunvor ha aceptado la responsabilidad por las acciones de algunos de sus antiguos agentes y empleados (con todos los cuales Gunvor dejó de trabajar hace años y antes de tener conocimiento de la investigación de EE. UU.) y se declaró culpable ante un tribunal federal de Nueva York el 1 de marzo de 2024.
En virtud de los términos de la resolución de EE. UU., Gunvor pagará una multa de 374.560.071 USD y renunciará a 287.138.444 USD. La resolución reconoce la amplia cooperación de Gunvor con la investigación del Departamento de Justicia (Department of Justice, DOJ) de los EE. UU., que dio lugar a una reducción significativa de la multa de la Empresa, así como los esfuerzos que Gunvor ha realizado para fortalecer su programa de cumplimiento.
El presidente del Grupo Gunvor, Torbjörn Törnqvist, comentó lo siguiente: “Como empresa, Gunvor cometió errores en ese momento, que lamentamos y hemos trabajado diligentemente para solucionar. En la actualidad, Gunvor mantiene un programa de cumplimiento líder en la industria y nos comprometemos a mejorarlo continuamente. La corrupción no tiene cabida en nuestra empresa y nunca se tolerará”.
Desde que la conducta relevante que fue objeto de esta resolución comenzó en 2011, Gunvor ha tomado medidas significativas para desarrollar su programa de cumplimiento, entonces incipiente, y remediar las causas fundamentales que condujeron a esta cuestión. Gunvor reconoce que en 2011 su programa de cumplimiento tenía deficiencias que permitían actividades corruptas, incluida la conducta indebida en Congo-Brazzaville, que Gunvor resolvió con las autoridades suizas en 2019, y las actividades de antiguos empleados y agentes en Ecuador actualmente en cuestión.
En respuesta al asunto de Congo-Brazzaville, Gunvor invirtió considerablemente en el desarrollo de su programa de cumplimiento. Aunque Gunvor llevó a cabo la diligencia debida sobre los antiguos empleados y agentes involucrados en Ecuador, estos controles no lograron detectar su conducta indebida. Sin embargo, el programa de cumplimiento mejoró con el tiempo. En 2020, antes de que Gunvor tuviera conocimiento de la investigación del DOJ en este asunto, la Empresa suspendió los pagos a los agentes en Ecuador porque estos no respondieron adecuadamente a las preguntas y solicitudes de los funcionarios de cumplimiento de Gunvor. La Empresa rescindió sus contratos después, todo ello antes de tener conocimiento de la investigación del DOJ.
Gunvor ha reforzado aún más su programa de cumplimiento y ha fortalecido su cultura del cumplimiento en todo el mundo. Lo que es más importante, Gunvor ha dado el paso líder en el sector de finalizar las relaciones con todos y cada uno de los agentes externos responsables del desarrollo de negocios. Recientemente, Gunvor anunció que su programa de cumplimiento contra el soborno y la corrupción formará parte de un nuevo Departamento de Ética y Sostenibilidad, diseñado para reforzar la capacidad de Gunvor de responder a un entorno normativo en constante evolución y cambio y para garantizar que las actividades comerciales de Gunvor se gestionen de la manera más eficiente y conforme posible.
En reconocimiento de los méritos del programa de cumplimiento actual de Gunvor y el compromiso de la Empresa con la mejora continua de ese programa y otros controles internos, el DOJ acordó que no es necesario un supervisor de cumplimiento independiente como parte de la resolución.
NOTAS:
Gunvor handelt onderzoek van Amerikaans Ministerie van Justitie naar kwestie in Ecuador af
NEW YORK (1 maart 2024) – Gunvor S.A. (‘Gunvor’ of ‘het bedrijf’) heeft ermee ingestemd het onderzoek door de autoriteiten in de Verenigde Staten naar eerdere activiteiten met betrekking tot omkoping in Ecuador af te handelen. Gunvor heeft de verantwoordelijkheid op zich genomen voor de daden van bepaalde voormalige tussenpersonen en werknemers – met wie Gunvor jaren geleden de samenwerking beëindigde, voordat het op de hoogte was van het Amerikaanse onderzoek – en heeft op 1 maart 2024 schuldig gepleit bij de federale rechtbank in New York.
Onder de voorwaarden van het Amerikaanse besluit zal Gunvor een boete van $ 374.560.071 betalen en afzien van $ 287.138.444. Het besluit erkent de verregaande samenwerking van Gunvor met het onderzoek van het Amerikaanse Ministerie van Justitie (DOJ), wat heeft geleid tot een aanzienlijke verlaging van de boete voor het bedrijf, evenals de inspanningen die Gunvor heeft geleverd om zijn nalevingsprogramma te versterken.
De voorzitter van de Gunvor Group, Torbjörn Törnqvist, verklaarde: “Als bedrijf heeft Gunvor destijds fouten gemaakt, waarvoor we onze excuses aanbieden. We hebben er hard aan gewerkt om deze fouten recht te zetten. Vandaag de dag kan Gunvor bogen op een toonaangevend nalevingsprogramma en we streven ernaar het voortdurend te verbeteren. Corruptie hoort niet thuis in ons bedrijf en zal nooit worden getolereerd.”
Sinds het relevante gedrag dat in dit besluit aan de orde is in 2011 begon, heeft Gunvor grote stappen gezet om zijn toen nog prille nalevingsprogramma verder te ontwikkelen en de onderliggende oorzaken die tot deze kwestie hebben geleid te verhelpen. Gunvor erkent dat zijn nalevingsprogramma in 2011 tekortkomingen vertoonde die corrupte activiteiten mogelijk maakten, waaronder het wangedrag in Congo-Brazzaville dat Gunvor in 2019 met de Zwitserse autoriteiten afhandelde en de activiteiten van voormalige werknemers en tussenpersonen in Ecuador die nu aan de orde zijn.
Als reactie op de kwestie Congo-Brazzaville investeerde Gunvor flink in de ontwikkeling van zijn nalevingsprogramma. Hoewel Gunvor due diligence uitvoerde met betrekking tot de voormalige werknemers en tussenpersonen die betrokken waren bij de kwestie in Ecuador, waren deze controles destijds ontoereikend om hun wangedrag te signaleren. Maar het nalevingsprogramma is in de loop der tijd verbeterd. In 2020, voordat Gunvor hoorde van het DOJ-onderzoek in deze zaak, schortte het bedrijf de betalingen aan de tussenpersonen in Ecuador op omdat ze niet adequaat reageerden op vragen en verzoeken van de nalevingsfunctionarissen van Gunvor. Gunvor beëindigde nadien de samenwerking met de tussenpersonen, nog voordat het bedrijf hoorde van het DOJ-onderzoek.
Gunvor heeft zijn nalevingsprogramma verder versterkt en zijn nalevingscultuur wereldwijd aangescherpt. Het belangrijkste is dat Gunvor de toonaangevende stap heeft gezet om de relaties te beëindigen met alle externe tussenpersonen die verantwoordelijk waren voor business development. Onlangs heeft Gunvor aangekondigd dat zijn nalevingsprogramma ter bestrijding van omkoping en corruptie deel zal uitmaken van een nieuwe afdeling Ethiek en Duurzaamheid. Deze afdeling zal Gunvor helpen om beter in te spelen op een evoluerend en steeds veranderend regelgevingsklimaat en om ervoor te zorgen dat de commerciële activiteiten van het bedrijf zo efficiënt en regelconform mogelijk worden aangestuurd.
Als erkenning van de verdiensten van het huidige nalevingsprogramma van Gunvor en de inzet van het bedrijf voor voortdurende verbetering van dat programma en andere interne controles, ging het DOJ ermee akkoord dat een onafhankelijke nalevingsmonitor niet nodig was als onderdeel van het besluit.
OPMERKINGEN:
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