MOL (company)
{{Short description|Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company}}
{{Advert|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = MOL Plc.
| image = MOL petrol station, 2017 Gárdony.jpg
| logo = MOL_Group.svg
| logo_size =
| type = Public
| traded_as = {{Budapest Stock Exchange|MOL|isin=HU0000068952}}
{{WSE|MOL|isin=HU0000068952}}
BUX Component
CETOP20 Component
| industry = Oil and gas
Retail
Mobility
| location_city = Budapest
| footnotes = {{cite web |url=https://molgroup.info/storage/documents/publications/quarterly_reports/2021/q4_2021_results_call.pdf}}
| location_country = Hungary
| foundation = 1957 (National Oil and Gas Trust)
1 October 1991 (current company)
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ubl|Zsolt Hernádi (Chairman & CEO)|József Molnár (GCEO)}}
| products = Oil and gas exploration and production, natural gas, oil and LNG trading and transportation, oil refining and chemicals
| services = Bicycle sharing
Carsharing
Fuel stations
Fleet management
| revenue = {{Increase}} US$ 19.612 billion (2021)
| operating_income = {{Increase}} US$ 2.020 billion (2021)
| net_income = {{Increase}} US$ 1.7 billion (2021)
| assets = {{Increase}} US$ 19.94 billion (2021)
| equity = {{Increase}} US$ 9.39 billion (2021)
| num_employees = 25,000 (2021)
| subsid = INA
Slovnaft
MOL Group Italy
| homepage = {{URL|http://molgroup.info}}
{{URL|https://mol.hu/en/|mol.hu}}
}}
MOL Plc. ({{langx|hu|Magyar OLaj- és Gázipari Részvénytársaság|lit=Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company}}), also known as MOL Group, is a Hungarian multinational oil and gas company headquartered in Budapest, Hungary.{{cite web | title = About MOL | publisher = MOL | url = http://molgroup.info/hu/about-mol-group/mol-group-at-a-glance | access-date = 3 November 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117113059/http://molgroup.info/hu/about-mol-group/mol-group-at-a-glance | archive-date = 17 November 2015 | url-status = dead }} Members of MOL Group include among others the Croatian and Slovak formerly state-owned oil and gas companies, INA and Slovnaft. MOL is Hungary's most profitable enterprise, with net profits of $770 million in 2019. The company is also the third most valuable company in Central and Eastern Europe
{{cite web
|url = http://www.coface.ua/CofacePortal/ShowBinary/BEA%20Repository/UA/en_EN/pages/home/who_we_are/ne/_docs/Booklet%20Top%20500.pdf
|title = Top 500 in CEE
|publisher = COFACE
|date = September 2009
|access-date = 3 November 2015
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120303121301/http://www.coface.ua/CofacePortal/ShowBinary/BEA%20Repository/UA/en_EN/pages/home/who_we_are/ne/_docs/Booklet%20Top%20500.pdf
|archive-date = 3 March 2012
}} and placed 402 on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world's largest companies in 2013.{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2012/countries/Hungary.html?iid=smlrr |title=Global 500 – Countries: Hungary – Fortune |work=Money |date=23 July 2012 |access-date=2013-06-10}}
As of October 2021, the largest shareholder is the Mol New Europe Foundation with 10.49% ahead of Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation and Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation, both with 10%, OmanOil Budapest with 7.14% and OTP and ING Bank with 4.9% and 4.48% respectively. Nearly 45% of shares are free floated.{{cite web|url=https://client.bse.hu/menun_kivuli/portlets/companyprofile?security=518|title=Shareholders, management|date=3 November 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321190822/https://client.bse.hu/menun_kivuli/portlets/companyprofile?security=518|archive-date=21 March 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/investor-relations/share-information|title=MOLGroup|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-02-20}}
MOL is active in exploration and production, refining, distribution and marketing, petrochemicals, power generation, trading and retail. As of 2021, MOL has operations in over 30 countries worldwide, employs 25,000 people, has 2,000 service stations in nine countries (mainly in Central and Eastern Europe) under six brands.{{Cite web|url=https://mol.hu/en/about-mol/media-room/press-releases/2627-mol-completed-the-takeover-of-the-19-filling-stations-in-slovenia-the-number-of-retail-stations-operated-by-mol-group-in-the-country-doubled|title = MOL}} MOL's downstream operations in Central and Eastern Europe manufacture and sell products such as fuels, lubricants, additives and petrochemicals. The company's most significant areas of operations are Central and Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, North Sea, Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Russia and Kazakhstan.
MOL has a primary listing on the Budapest Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the BUX Index. As of October 2021, it has a market capitalization of $6 billion and is the second largest company listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange. MOL also has a secondary listing on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/investor-relations/regulated-information/3875-delisting-of-mol-adrs-from-the-london-stock-exchange-and-luxembourg-stock-exchange|title=MOLGroup|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221010243/https://molgroup.info/en/investor-relations/regulated-information/3875-delisting-of-mol-adrs-from-the-london-stock-exchange-and-luxembourg-stock-exchange|archive-date=2019-02-21|url-status=dead}}
History
File:Slovnaft with bridges.JPG oil refinery in Bratislava]]
= Foundation (1994–1995) =
File:Slovnaft - new polypropylene plant PP3.JPGOn 1 October 1991, MOL was established as a legal successor, merging nine former members of the National Oil and Gas Trust, which had been established in 1957. By 1995, the actual integration of companies was completed, and the previously separated entities started to operate within one joint organization. MOL decided on a privatization strategy, in order to respond to international market, political and legal challenges, which the company was facing following the turmoil of the end of the Soviet Union.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/mol-rt-history/|title=History of MOL Rt – FundingUniverse|website=www.fundinguniverse.com|access-date=2019-02-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://mol.hu/en/about-mol/who-we-are/chronological-history/|title=Chronological History – MOL Magyarország|website=mol.hu|access-date=2019-02-19}}
= Regional expansion (1995–2001) =
In 1995, the company opened filling stations in Transylvania, Romania. In 2000 it acquired a 36% stake in Slovnaft, Slovakia's national oil company.{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/business/2000/04/06/mols-milestone|title=MOL's milestone|date=2000-04-06|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=2019-02-19|issn=0013-0613}} The company thus became the first oil company in Central Europe to establish a cross-border partnership and also launched a new business branch by procuring 32.9% of Hungary's petrochemical company TVK.{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/business/2000/04/06/mols-milestone|title=MOL's milestone|date=2000-04-06|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=2019-02-28|issn=0013-0613}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/business/2001/06/28/all-for-one-and-one-for-all|title=All for one, and one for all?|date=2001-06-28|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=2019-02-28|issn=0013-0613}}
In 1999, MOL entered Pakistan, becoming the operator of TAL Block (with 8.42% stake in production), one of the largest hydrocarbon producing blocks of the country.{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/energy-environment/mol-inaugurates-gas-processing-plant-in-pakistan_147333|title=MOL inaugurates gas processing plant in Pakistan|website=Budapest Business Journal|access-date=2019-02-19}}
= International expansion (2002–2007) =
As a result of the 2002 INA Privatization Act, the open public tender for the privatization of a 25%+1 share stake in INA, Croatia's national oil company, was launched in May 2002. MOL won the tender with a bid of $505 million against OMV's offer of $420 million.
{{cite news
| title= Croatia: Refiner Sold
| newspaper=The New York Times
| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E05E1DD103CF93BA25754C0A9659C8B63&scp=2&sq=MOL%20oil&st=nyt
| author = Peter S. Green
| date= 2003-06-18
| access-date=2008-02-12}}
By 2004, MOL had fully acquired, in several steps, Slovakia's national refiner Slovnaft, and Hungary's leading producer of ethylene and polypropylene TVK, over which MOL gained control with increasing their stake to 34.5% in 2001. Subsequently, MOL further increased its stake in TVK to 86.56% in 2006. In 2015, MOL then raised its shareholding in TVK to 100%.{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/business/2003/07/17/hungarys-new-empire-builder|title=Hungary's new empire builder|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=2019-03-04}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.plasticsnewseurope.com/article/20150313/PNE/303139970|title=MOL increases holding in polyolefins producer TVK|website=Plastics News Europe|access-date=2019-03-04}}
Between 2003 and 2005, MOL had acquired all Shell filling stations in Romania. In 2004, MOL entered the Austrian market by purchasing a fuel storage facility in Korneuburg, and a year later acquired the Roth filling station chain.{{cite web
| url= http://molgroup.info/about-mol-group/our-history
| title= The MOL Story
| publisher= MOL Group
| access-date= 2010-02-15
| archive-date= 2014-08-05
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140805042133/http://molgroup.info/about-mol-group/our-history
| url-status= dead
}} In August 2007, MOL purchased Italiana Energia e Servizi S.p.A. (IES), owner of the Mantua refinery and a chain of 165 retail stations in Italy.
{{cite news
| url=http://www.downstreamtoday.com/news/article.aspx?a_id=5168
| title=MOL Plans Capacity Increase at Newly Acquired Italian Refinery
| publisher = Downstream Today
| date=2007-08-01
| access-date=2007-08-03}}
= International expansion II (2007–2016) =
In 2007, MOL entered the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where its subsidiary MOL Kalegran owns 20% in Shaikan PSC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2007/11/07/mol-in-oil-production-contract-in-north-iraq-partners-with-gulf-keystone-update.html|title=MOL in oil production contract in north Iraq, partners with Gulf Keystone UPDATE|last=CNBC|date=2007-11-07|website=CNBC|access-date=2019-03-04}}{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/business/mol-begins-crude-oil-export-from-iraq_74194|title=MOL begins crude oil export from Iraq|website=Budapest Business Journal|access-date=2019-03-04}} Further in 2009, MOL acquired a 10% stake in the Pearl Petroleum consortium (Pearl) from Crescent Petroleum and Dana Gas PJSC.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/mol-pearl-idUKLH61235820090517|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044240/https://uk.reuters.com/article/mol-pearl-idUKLH61235820090517|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2019|title=MOL buys 10 pct stake in Pearl for 6.27 mln shares|date=2009-05-17|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-03-04}}
In November 2007, MOL reported a new regional initiative to create a joint regional gas pipeline system called New European Transmission System (NETS). On 20 December 2007, MOL announced a strategic cooperation with Czech power utility CEZ. The joint venture with CEZ focuses on gas-fired power generation and related gas infrastructure in Central and Southeastern Europe, first launching two 800 MW power plants in Hungary and Slovakia. After selling 7% of its shares to CEZ within the scopes of a strategic partnership, MOL announced on 10 March 2008 the sale of an 8% stake to the Oman Oil Company for the same reason.
{{cite news
| title=Hungary's oil firm MOL sells 8 pct. stake to Oman, seen as step to thwart takeover by OMV
| newspaper=International Herald Tribune
|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/10/business/EU-FIN-COM-Hungary-MOL.php
| date=2008-03-10
|access-date=2008-03-12}}
On 9 May 2008, MOL signed an agreement to acquire a 35% interest in a block in India operated by the Indian ONGC.
{{cite news
|url=http://bbjonline.hu/index.php?col=1000&cat=&id=51684
| title= India's ONGC would cooperate with MOL in third countries
| publisher= Budapest Business Journal
| date=2010-02-08
| access-date=2010-02-15}}
{{cite news
| url= http://www.financialexpress.com/news/mol-picks-35-stake-in-ongc/307457/
| title= MOL picks 35% stake in ONGC
| newspaper= The Financial Express
| date=2008-05-09
| access-date=2010-02-15}}
In the same year MOL further acquired 22.16% of INA's shares through its general public offer on the Zagreb Stock Exchange.{{Cite web|url=http://molincroatia.com/mols-investment-in-ina/mols-acquisition-of-ina-shares|title=MOL's acquisition of INA shares|website=molincroatia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-29}}
On 24 May 2011, the second Orbán-cabinet bought the Russian Surgutneftegas's shares, thus the Hungarian state acquired 21.2% of the shares within the company.{{cite news
| url= http://www.mno.hu/portal/786134
| title= Rendkívüli bejelentés visszaszereztük a 21.2%-os Mol-tulajdonrészt/Extraordinary announcement we got back the 21.2% property in Mol
| publisher= Magyar Nemzet Online
| date= 2011-05-24
| access-date= 2011-05-24
| archive-date= 2011-05-26
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110526190503/http://www.mno.hu/portal/786134
| url-status= dead
}}
In late 2013, MOL entered the North Sea by acquiring Wintershall’s portfolio, which included a mix of producing fields and undeveloped projects. It also acquired a position in the Scott hub in the central North Sea.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mol-northsea-idUKKBN1E013R|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410132408/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mol-northsea-idUKKBN1E013R|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2019|title=Hungary's MOL looking to exit UK North Sea – sources|date=2017-12-06|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-02-28}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/hungarys-mol-buys-stake-in-6-north-sea-blocks-from-premier-oil/|title=Hungary's MOL buys stake in 6 North Sea blocks from Premier Oil|website=Offshore Energy Today|date=30 June 2014|access-date=2019-02-28|archive-date=2019-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013341/https://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/hungarys-mol-buys-stake-in-6-north-sea-blocks-from-premier-oil/|url-status=dead}} MOL further expanded its exploration portfolio by entering Norway in 2015, after acquiring Ithaca Petroleum Norge.{{Cite web|url=https://www.euro-petrole.com/mol-group-enters-norway-expanding-its-north-sea-portfolio-n-i-11308|title=MOL Group Enters Norway Expanding its North Sea Portfolio|website=www.euro-petrole.com|access-date=2019-02-28}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-24/mol-enters-norway-with-ithaca-acquisition-for-60m-plus-bonus|title=Mol Buys Ithaca's Norway Unit Amid Pledge of Boosting Output|website=www.bloomberg.com|first1=Edith|last1=Balazs|first2=Gabriella|last2=Lovas|date=2015-04-24|access-date=2020-03-01|url-access=subscription}}
On May 8, 2014, MOL announced the acquisition of the Italian Eni’s subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania, including the retail network of 208 petrol stations previously operated under the Agip brand.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-26/fuel-stations-court-the-coffee-shop-dollars-in-eastern-europe|title=Electric Future Sparks Coffee Binge for Refiners in East Europe|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=26 August 2018 |access-date=2020-03-31}} The transaction also included the takeover of Eni's wholesale interests in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. In the Czech Republic, MOL's retail market share exceeded 10 percent thanks to 125 new gas stations and 24 Slovnaft and 125 PAP Oil filling stations, also belonging to the group.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/investor-relations/investor-news/mol-group-and-eni-group-agreed-on-the-sale-of-eni-subsidiaries-in-the-czech-republic-slovakia-and-romania-including-208-service-stations|title=MOL Group and eni Group agreed on the sale of eni subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania, including 208 service stations - Investor News|website=MOLGroup|language=en|access-date=2020-03-31}} With 274 service stations, the MOL Group is the second largest retailer of fuel in the country. In Slovakia, 253 petrol stations were already part of the entire network, with 41 filling stations purchased at the time. In Romania, the existing network expanded by 42 wells, adding 189 items, accounting for 12% of retail sales.{{Cite web|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/hungarian-mol-buys-enis-filling-stations-in-romania-czech-republic-and-slovakia|title=Hungarian MOL buys Eni's filling stations in Romania, Czech Republic and Slovakia|website=Romania Insider|date=7 May 2014 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-31}}
= Diversification (2016–2021) =
In 2016, MOL announced its long-term strategy "MOL 2030". According to the company, its integrated upstream-downstream business model would continue to provide stable and robust profitability for the next 10–15 years, but new investments are seen to be essential for MOL’s future.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hungary-mol-outlook-idUSKBN12Z23F|title=Hungary's MOL to bulk up in chemicals for the future|date=2016-11-04|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-02-26}} As part of the strategy, the company intends to diversify the classical Oil & Gas business and develop into the region’s leading chemical and consumer goods and services company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/news/2016/11/mol-to-focus-on-refining-efficiency-petrochemical-diversification|title=MOL to focus on refining efficiency, petrochemical diversification|website=www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com|date=7 November 2016 |access-date=2019-02-26}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/oil-industry-anticipates-day-of-reckoning-1480248012|title=Oil Industry Anticipates Day of Reckoning|last1=Kent|first1=Sarah|date=2016-11-28|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=2019-02-26|last2=Spegele|first2=Brian|issn=0099-9660}}
Through 2030, MOL scheduled investments of US$4.5 billion to expand its petrochemical business and to extend away from the commodity segment into higher value-added chemical products.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/special-reports/19062018/transition-to-thrive/|title=Transition to thrive|date=2018-06-19|website=Hydrocarbon Engineering|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.chemicals-technology.com/news/newshungarys-mol-group-to-invest-19bn-in-petrochemical-business-5664135/|title=Hungary's MOL Group to invest $1.9bn in petrochemical business|date=2016-11-09|website=Chemical Technology|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-03-26}} One of the first projects following the new strategy was the Polyol chemical project. In September 2018, MOL reached final investment on the project and signed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts with ThyssenKrupp.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/12092018/mol-reaches-decision-on-polyol-project-signs-epc-contracts-with-thyssenkrupp/|title=MOL reaches decision on polyol project, signs EPC contracts with thyssenkrupp|date=2018-09-12|website=Hydrocarbon Engineering|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/17092018/mol-reaches-final-investment-decision-on-polyol-project/|title=MOL reaches final investment decision on polyol project|date=2018-09-17|website=Hydrocarbon Engineering|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}
In October 2019, the foundation stone for the complex in Tiszaújváros, Hungary, was laid by Zsolt Hernádi, Ferenc Koncz, Sami Pelkonen and Mihály Varga. The plant is scheduled to be fully operational by 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.plasteurope.com/news/Foundation_stone_laid_for_EUR_1_2_bn_polyol_complex_in_Hungary_Start_t243579/|title=MOL: Foundation stone laid for EUR 1.2 bn polyol complex in Hungary / Start-up expected in 2021 {{!}} Plasteurope.com|website=www.plasteurope.com|access-date=2019-12-04}}
The company formed a partnership for plastic recycling with German APK in 2018, and in 2019 acquired Aurora, a German recycled plastic compounding company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/mol-apk-plastic-layered-packaging-recycling-germany-hungary/|title=APK, MOL Group sign deal on plastics recycling plant|website=Recycling Today|language=en|access-date=2019-08-20}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eppm.com/api/content/b0aa93d8-5f6b-11e9-867b-12f1225286c6/|title=MOL Group enters recycled plastic compounding by acquiring Aurora Group|last=Coker|first=Rob|date=2019-04-15|website=EPPM|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-08-20}}{{Cite web|url=http://business-review.eu/business/mol-group-to-acquire-aurora-a-recycled-plastic-compounder-with-production-plants-for-the-automotive-industry-199610|title=MOL Group to acquire Aurora, a recycled plastic compounder with production plants for the automotive industry|date=2019-04-15|website=Business Review|language=ro|access-date=2019-08-20}}
In 2017, MOL launched fleet management, e-mobility and car sharing ventures.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zoom-mobility.com/single-post/2018/02/01/MOL-Group-%E2%80%93-One-of-Europes-Largest-Oil-and-Gas-Companies-%E2%80%93-Launches-LIMO-a-New-Carsharing-Service|title=MOL Group – One of Europe's Largest Oil and Gas Companies – Launches LIMO, a New Carsharing Service powered by Vulog|website=The Business of Shared Mobility {{!}} Zoom Mobility|access-date=2019-02-26|archive-date=2019-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090859/https://www.zoom-mobility.com/single-post/2018/02/01/MOL-Group-%E2%80%93-One-of-Europes-Largest-Oil-and-Gas-Companies-%E2%80%93-Launches-LIMO-a-New-Carsharing-Service|url-status=dead}}
In September 2019, MOL Serbia opened a new fuel storage depot in Sremski Karlovci. The compound is MOL's largest investment into Serbia over the last 15 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ekapija.com/en/news/2627105/mol-serbia-to-open-fuel-storage-depot-in-sremski-karlovci|title=MOL Serbia to open fuel storage depot in Sremski Karlovci|website=www.ekapija.com|access-date=2020-03-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.petrolplaza.com/news/23017|title=MOL opens new fuel storage, processing facility in Serbia|website=www.petrolplaza.com|date=19 September 2019 |access-date=2020-03-16}} In November 2019, MOL signed an agreement with Chevron, acquiring their 9.57% interest in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field and an 8.9% stake in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. The pipeline transports crude oil from ACG to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. The total transaction was valued at $1.57 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/hungarian-player-enters-bps-acg-field-in-azerbaijan/|title=Hungarian player enters BP's ACG field in Azerbaijan|website=Offshore Energy Today|date=4 November 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-16}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/business/sp-revises-mol-outlook-to-positive-on-azerbaijan-acquisition_173688|title=S&P revises MOL outlook to positive on Azerbaijan acquisition|website=Budapest Business Journal|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16}} In November 2019, MOL Group announced it had acquired 100% shareholding in German plastic compounder company Aurora.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-11|title=MOL completes acquisition of plastics compounder Aurora|url=https://www.plasticstoday.com/materials/mol-completes-acquisition-plastics-compounder-aurora|access-date=2021-12-17|website=plasticstoday.com|language=en}}
In 2014 as a strategic goal, MOL started investigating the ways of diversifying its crude oil supply and to adapt its refineries to process non-Russian alternative crude oil, in order to reach greater flexibility. Until 2022 MOL invested more than USD 170 million on building up the alternative logistics on the Adria pipeline. This allows more seaborne deliveries to supply the Duna and Slovnaft refineries in Hungary and Slovakia. Due to the crude diversification efforts, Duna refinery can currently process about 35% of non-REB feedstock, mixed in with Urals crude. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has accelerated this process of planning.{{Cite news |last=Norman |first=Drew Hinshaw and Laurence |date=2022-05-20 |title=Hungary's Orban Keeps EU Guessing Over Russian Oil Embargo |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hungarys-orban-keeps-eu-guessing-over-russian-oil-embargo-11653053395 |access-date=2022-05-23 |issn=0099-9660}} MOL needs an investment-cycle of up to $700million{{Cite news |date=2022-05-19 |title=Hungary's MOL prepares to move away from Russian oil |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/87308996-a5a0-4e6f-acbd-7c69cc019e8c |access-date=2022-05-24}} and at least 2–4 years to be able to switch to 100% alternative crude processing.
In June 2021, MOL Group reached an agreement to acquire OMV’s 92.25% stake in OMV Slovenija d.o.o., the Slovenian arm of Austrian oil and gas giant OMV AG for €301million.{{Cite web|title=MOL Group acquires 16 Lukoil-branded service stations in Slovakia and restaurants in Hungary - erpecnews live|url=https://www.erpecnewslive.com/article/14628/mol-group-acquires-16-lukoil-branded-service-stations-in-slovakia-and-restaurants-in-hungary|access-date=2021-12-17|website=www.erpecnewslive.com}}
Corporate affairs
= Organizational structure =
MOL has multiple subsidiaries across all areas of its business operations. Its most important subsidiaries include Slovnaft, INA and MOL Group Italy.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/about-mol-group/company-overview/mol-group-organization|title=MOLGroup|last1=Greenroom|last2=User|first2=Super|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-02-19}}
= Leadership structure =
MOL Group's chief governing body is the board of directors, which has 10 members, out of which three are executive and seven are non-executive. The three executive members of the board are its Chairman Zsolt Hernádi, who serves as chief executive officer, József Molnár, Group Chief Executive Officer and Oszkár Világi, Group Innovative Businesses and Services Executive Vice President.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/about-mol-group/company-overview/board-of-directors|title=MOLGroup Board of Directors|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-02-18}} The supervisory board is led by Zoltán Áldott, who is also the chairman of the supervisory board of Slovnaft.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/about-mol-group/company-overview/supervisory-board|title=MOLGroup|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-02-19}}
= Shareholder structure =
As of August 2021, MOL's current shareholder structure is:{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/investor-relations/mol-shares#ownership-structure|title=Mol Shares - Investor Relations|website=MOLGroup|language=en|access-date=2020-02-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/investor-relations/mol-shares|title=Mol Shares - Investor Relations|website=MOLGroup|language=en|access-date=2020-02-06}}
- 26.16% – Foreign investors (mainly institutional)
- 10.49% – MOL New Europe Foundation
- 10.00% – Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation
- 10.00% – Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation
- 7.14% – OmanOil (Budapest) Limited
- 4.90% – OTP Bank Plc.
- 1.32% – OTP Fund Management
- 4.48% – ING Bank N.V.
- 3.37% – UniCredit Bank AG
- 1.20% – Commerzbank AG
- 10.63% – Domestic institutional investors
- 7.76% – Domestic private investors
- 2.55% – MOL Plc. (treasury shares)
= MOL campus =
In 2017, MOL announced the relocation of their corporate headquarters, which are currently based in various buildings throughout Budapest.{{Cite web|url=http://english.eurobuildcee.com/?page=news&id=22475|title=EurobuildCEE – Foster designs Budapest tower|last=Ostrowski|first=Rafał|website=english.eurobuildcee.com|access-date=2019-03-04}} The complex consists of a 120m tower, connected podium, buildings and outside spaces, which are designed by Foster + Partners.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2017/10/04/foster-partners-mol-group-headquarters-tallest-building-budapest-movie/|title=Foster + Partners unveils plans for Budapest's tallest building|date=2017-10-04|website=Dezeen|language=en|access-date=2019-03-14}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/archive/2017/10/foster-partners-new-sustainable-vision-for-mol-campus-in-budapest/|title=Foster + Partners makes its debut in Hungary with a new sustainable vision for MOL Campus {{!}} Foster + Partners|last=www.fosterandpartners.com|first=Foster + Partners /|website=www.fosterandpartners.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-14}} The campus spans 86,000 sqm at the bank of the Danube and accommodate up to 2,500 people.{{Relevance inline|date=August 2023}} The tower is the highest building in Budapest.{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/business/mol-lays-cornerstone-for-new-skyscraper-hq_155762|title=MOL lays cornerstone for new skyscraper HQ|website=Budapest Business Journal|language=en|access-date=2019-03-14}}
In June 2019, MOL revealed first interior design visualizations, that were created by the Berlin-based interior design company KINZO.{{Cite web|url=https://dailynewshungary.com/this-is-what-budapests-tallest-building-will-look-like-on-the-inside/|title=This is what Budapest's tallest building will look like on the inside – VISUALS HERE|date=2019-06-29|website=Daily News Hungary|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-20}}{{Relevance inline|date=August 2023}} In December 2022, MOL Campus was opened.{{cite web |last1=Gábor |first1=Kaszás |title=A Mol bemutatta új főhadiszállását |url=https://index.hu/gazdasag/2022/12/08/mol-mol-campus-olajtarsasag-olajvallalat-kopaszi-gat-budapart-hernadi-zsolt/ |website=index.hu |access-date=9 December 2022 |language=hu |date=8 December 2022}}
Operations
=International upstream operations=
MOL Group has a current Upstream presence in 13 countries with production activities in 8.{{Cite web|url=https://www.energyvoice.com/oilandgas/north-sea/164086/mol-group-profits-leap-despite-uk-north-sea-snags/|title=MOL Group profits leap despite UK North Sea snags – News for the Oil and Gas Sector|date=2018-02-20|website=Energy Voice|language=en|access-date=2019-03-27}} Besides Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary and Croatia), its core regions, MOL has a presence and partnerships in the CIS region (Russia, Kazakhstan), the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan as well as the North Sea region (UK, Norway). The group's total oil and gas reserves stood at {{convert|356|e6oilbbl|e6m3|abbr=off|lk=on}} of oil equivalent at the end of 2017 and the daily average hydrocarbon production is {{convert|109|e3oilbbl|e3m3|abbr=off|lk=on}} per day of oil equivalent.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/images/molgroup/pdf/investor_relations/investor_presentations/MOL_IR_Presentation_November_2018_web.pdf|title=MOLGroup Investor Presentation (November 2018)|website=MOL Corporate Website}}
MOL derives nearly three-quarters of its oil and gas production from Hungary and Croatia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.petroleum-economist.com/media/3006/thequietrevolution.pdf|title=THE QUIET REVOLUTION: ENERGY IN THE CEE}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/our-business/exploration-and-production/operations/cee|title=MOLGroup – Operations|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-04-10}}
The company has a 20% interest in the Catcher area oil and gas block in the North Sea, in company with Premier Oil (50%) and Cairn Energy (30%). In June 2014, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change gave final approval for the £1 billion development. First oil was achieved from the field's FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) in December 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-27809841|title=Green signal to Premier's Catcher area oil block development|access-date=22 September 2014|work=BBC News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.oedigital.com/news/444729-first-oil-flows-at-premier-s-catcher|title=First oil flows at Premier's Catcher|date=2017-12-23|website=Offshore Engineer Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-04-10}}
Norway is part of in MOL Group's portfolio. The company entered Norway in 2015, after acquiring Ithaca Petroleum Norge, and is present in three of the North Sea's core areas (Central Graben South, South Viking Graben and Northern North Sea).{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/energy-environment/mol-acquires-more-norwegian-exploration-licenses_144428|title=MOL acquires more Norwegian exploration licenses|website=Budapest Business Journal|language=en|access-date=2019-04-12}}{{Cite web|url=https://energyindustryreview.com/oil-gas/mol-expansion-of-the-exploration-portfolio/|title=MOL expansion of the exploration portfolio|date=2017-02-08|website=Energy Industry Review|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-12}} In late 2018, MOL Norge started its first operated drilling in the Oppdal/Driva prospect.{{Cite news|url=http://www.psa.no/consents/mol-norge-has-received-consent-for-exploration-drilling-in-the-north-sea-article13980-890.html|title=MOL Norge has received consent for exploration drilling in the North Sea|website=Petroleumstilsynet|language=en|access-date=2019-04-12}}
MOL has foreign exploration licences in (with date of announcement):
- Yemen, Exploration Blocks ’48’ and ’49’, 2002
- Kazakhstan, Federovskoye Block, 2004; North Karpovsky, 2012{{cite news|title=Hungarian MOL Acquires Stake in Kazakh KMG EP|url=http://www.satrapia.com/news/article/hungarian-mol-acquires-stake-in-kazakh-kmg-ep/|newspaper=The Gazette of Central Asia|date=16 November 2012|publisher=Satrapia}}
- Croatia and Hungary, Slatina and Zaláta, 2006
- Russia, Baituganskoe Oilfield, Surgut-7 block and Matjushkinsky block 2006–2007
- Cameroon, Ngosso Permit Block, 2007
- Iraq, Akri Bijeel Block, 2007
MOL has foreign production facilities in (with date of announcement):
= Downstream operations =
File:MOL Marosludas 1.jpg in Transylvania, Romania|alt=]]MOL Group operates assets with a total of 20.9 mtpa refining and 2.2 mtpa petrochemicals capacity. Its downstream asset base includes 6 production units: 4 refineries and 2 petrochemical sites, and an extended regional logistics and wholesales network as an integrated value chain. Its refineries at Százhalombatta, Hungary and Bratislava, Slovakia, are among the most profitable ones in Europe, with Nelson complexity indexes of 10,6 and 11,5 respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.mol.hu/repository/474306.pdf|title=MOL Group Consolidated Annual Report 2008equivalent per day in 2008.|publisher=MOL Group|year=2009|access-date=2010-02-15}}
MOL also produces and sells petrochemicals worldwide and is a leading petrochemical company in the Central Eastern Europe region. Its products are sold in more than 40 countries. MOL's petrochemical portfolio consists of high-quality polyolefin products (high- and low-density polyethylene, polypropylene) as well as butadiene.{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/our-business/downstream/refinining/products|title=MOLGroup|last1=Greenroom|last2=Dániel|first2=Kis|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-04-10}}{{Cite web|url=https://molgroup.info/en/our-business/downstream/map-downstream|title=MOLGroup|last1=Greenroom|last2=User|first2=Super|website=molgroup.info|language=hu|access-date=2019-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410132051/https://molgroup.info/en/our-business/downstream/map-downstream|archive-date=2019-04-10|url-status=dead}}
As part of its 2030 strategy, MOL targets a gradual increase of the share of valuable non-motor fuel products to above 50% by 2030 from below 30% currently. MOL intends to increase the feedstock for its petrochemical plants, whilst also taking advantage of the growing demand for profitable products as jet fuel, lubricants and base oils.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/news/2016/11/mol-to-focus-on-refining-efficiency-petrochemical-diversification|title=MOL to focus on refining efficiency, petrochemical diversification|website=www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com|date=7 November 2016 |access-date=2019-04-12}}
As MOL aims to expand its petrochemical business, the company has earmarked EUR 1.2bn for investment in propylene-oxide based polyols, a high-value product applied in the automotive industry, packaging and furniture manufacturing. In 2018, it made a final investment decision on its Polyol Project, the biggest single investment of the company until 2021.
To expand their petrochemical portfolio, MOL has signed a partnership with German APK in 2018, supporting the completion of APK's plastic-recycling plant in Merseburg. As part of circular-economy and sustainability endeavors, the plant pilots a process dubbed "Newcycling", recovering high-quality materials from plastic waste.{{Cite web|url=https://global-recycling.info/archives/2298|title=A German-Hungarian Strategic Partnership for Plastic Recycling|last=msv2016|date=15 October 2018|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-20}}
For the natural gas division, the main focus is gas transmission via an extensive high pressure gas pipeline, which length exceeds {{convert|5700|km}}. MOL is a member of the Nabucco Pipeline project.
{{cite press release|url=http://www.nabucco-pipeline.com/cms/upload/press_release/Press%20Release%20Nabucoo%20e%20-%20RWE%20joins%20Nabucco%20consortium%20as%20sixth%20partner.pdf|title=RWE joins Nabucco consortium as sixth partner|publisher=Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH|date=2008-02-06|access-date=2008-02-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530002244/http://www.nabucco-pipeline.com/cms/upload/press_release/Press%20Release%20Nabucoo%20e%20-%20RWE%20joins%20Nabucco%20consortium%20as%20sixth%20partner.pdf|archive-date=2008-05-30}}
In the field of renewable energy MOL develops geothermal power production through the, CEGE Central European Geothermal Energy Production, a partnership with Australian-based Green Rock Energy Limited.
{{cite journal|date=February–March 2007|title=Green Rock Energy Hungary For Geothermal Success|url=http://www.pesa.com.au/publications/pesa_news/mar_07/pesanews_8628.html|url-status=dead|journal=PESA News|publisher=The Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia|issue=86|issn=1039-4419|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009203137/http://www.pesa.com.au/publications/pesa_news/mar_07/pesanews_8628.html|archive-date=2009-10-09|access-date=2010-02-20}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.mol.hu/en/about_mol/sd/economic_sustainability/business_development/future_challenges/future_energy/|title=Future Energy|publisher=MOL Group|access-date=2010-02-20}} The company supports the research of second generation biofuels at the University of Pannonia.
= Retail Consumer Services =
As of 2018, MOL Group owns a network of nearly 2,000 service stations under six brands across ten countries in Central and Southern Europe.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/special-reports/19062018/transition-to-thrive/|title=Transition to thrive|date=2018-06-19|website=Hydrocarbon Engineering|access-date=2019-03-08}}{{Cite web |last1=Gomez |first1=James M |last2=Eder |first2=Marton |date=2018-08-27 |title=Electric Future Sparks Coffee Binge for Refiners in East Europe |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-26/fuel-stations-court-the-coffee-shop-dollars-in-eastern-europe |url-access=subscription |access-date=2019-03-26 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-21/mol-sees-retail-adding-to-profitability-in-shift-from-fuel-focus|title=Mol Sees Retail Adding to Profitability in Shift From Fuel Focus|date=2019-03-07|access-date=2019-03-08}}
In 2018, the company launched a car-sharing service in Budapest, MOL Limo.{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/budapest/mol-launches-car-sharing-service-_144549|title=MOL launches car sharing service|website=Budapest Business Journal|language=en|access-date=2019-08-20}}{{Cite web|url=https://dailynewshungary.com/new-carsharing-system-in-budapest-is-the-bomb/|title=New carsharing system in Budapest is the bomb|date=2018-04-14|website=Daily News Hungary|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-20}}{{Cite web|url=https://bbj.hu/business/mol-limo-fleet-logs-more-than-10-mln-mins-in-first-year_160651|title=MOL Limo fleet logs more than 10 mln mins in first year|website=Budapest Business Journal|language=en|access-date=2019-08-20}}
Awards
At the 2016 Petroleum Economist Awards, MOL Group was named the Downstream Company of the Year and in 2018, it was awarded the Energy Company of the Year – Mid Cap prize.{{Cite web|url=https://www.petroleum-economist.com/articles/corporate/pe-award-winners/2016/downstream-company-of-the-year-2016-mol-group|title=Downstream Company of the Year, 2016: MOL Group|website=www.petroleum-economist.com|access-date=2019-04-12|archive-date=2020-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002050019/https://www.petroleum-economist.com/articles/corporate/pe-award-winners/2016/downstream-company-of-the-year-2016-mol-group|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.petroleum-economist.com/articles/corporate/pe-award-winners/2018/energy-company-of-the-year-mid-cap|title=Energy Company of the Year—mid cap|website=www.petroleum-economist.com|access-date=2019-04-12|archive-date=2020-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801224536/https://www.petroleum-economist.com/articles/corporate/pe-award-winners/2018/energy-company-of-the-year-mid-cap|url-status=dead}}
Controversies
= Takeover attempt by OMV =
In June 2007, Austrian energy company OMV made a bid to take over MOL, which was rejected by the Hungarian company. On 6 March 2008, the European Commission launched an investigation of OMV's bid. On 24 June 2008, OMV received a 'Statement of Objections' from the European Commission regarding the company's attempted takeover of MOL.
{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/06/24/afx5146214.html|title=OMV gets EU objections statement over MOL takeover bid|date=2008-06-24|access-date=2008-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604012531/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2008/06/24/afx5146214.html|archive-date=2011-06-04|magazine=Forbes}}
In March 2009, OMV sold its 21% stake in MOL to Surgutneftegas. MOL called this move "unfriendly" and claimed OMV had acted as a front for Russian interests.
{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123861730216679547|title=Hungarian Oil Firm Wary of Russian Rival's Stake|author=Guy Chazan|date=2009-04-01|access-date=2009-04-05|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|author2=Margit Feher}}
= Legal dispute over INA =
{{Main|INA-MOL dispute}}
In 2011, Croatia started an investigation of ex-prime minister Ivo Sanader for allegedly accepting a €10 million bribe from MOL, in exchange for the Croatian Government approving the First Amendment to the Shareholders Agreement and thus MOL securing management rights, accusing also the company's chairman, Zsolt Hernádi.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/croatia-sanader-mol-idUSLDE7A90JJ20111110|title=Croatia says MOL CEO is suspect in bribe case|date=2011-11-10|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-04-01|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mol-ina-prosecution-idUSL5E8CU1FI20120130|title=Hungary prosecutors say MOL had no role in INA bribe|date=2012-01-30|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-04-01|language=en}} MOL repeatedly denied all the accusations. Soon after, the Hungarian prosecution launched investigation on suspicion of bribery and in 2012 dismissed allegations of criminal activity in this matter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/8651e50f-dce7-37d7-ab88-ce6ed37ac142|title=Croatia: Sanader corruption verdict raises questions over Hungary's MOL|website=Financial Times|date=20 November 2012|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-01|last1=Wagstyl|first1=Stefan}}
= MOL received compensation after winning its legal dispute with Croatia =
In the complex and lengthy disagreement involving MOL and INA,{{Cite web |last=Praštalo |first=Boris |date=2023-01-02 |title=MOL v. Croatia Saga: A Two-Faced Janus in the ISDS Reform Debate |url=https://arbitrationblog.kluwerarbitration.com/2023/01/02/mol-v-croatia-saga-a-two-faced-janus-in-the-isds-reform-debate/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=Kluwer Arbitration Blog |language=en-US}} the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) based in Washington ruled in favor of MOL. The dispute originated in 2013 when MOL initiated an arbitration case, alleging that Croatia had not fulfilled its contractual obligations. This marked the second time Croatia had found itself on the losing side of an arbitration case with MOL.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-02 |title=Croatia to pay $256 million arbitration award to MOL - minister |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/croatia-hungary-mol-idUSL8N34I3RO |access-date=2023-08-31}} The first instance was in 2014,{{Cite news |last=Radosavljevic |first=Zoran |date=2022-07-07 |title=Croatia loses international arbitration against Hungary's MOL over gas business |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/croatia-loses-international-arbitration-against-hungarys-mol-over-gas-business/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=www.euractiv.com |language=en-GB}} with an award of €14.5 million granted by a Swiss court
With the ICSID ruling,{{Cite web |title=MOL Gets $236M Win In Fight With Croatia - Law360 |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/1509073/mol-gets-236m-win-in-fight-with-croatia |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=www.law360.com |language=en}} MOL was practically declared the winner of the arbitration dispute against Croatia, and compensation in the amount of $250–300 million{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=Croatia to pay $235mn arbitration award to MOL |url=https://intellinews.com/croatia-to-pay-235mn-arbitration-award-to-mol-268818/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=intellinews.com |language=en}} was given to MOL. This sum is far lower than MOL's initial claim of $1 billion. Additionally, the court dismissed Croatia's allegations of corruption against MOL,{{Cite news |date=2014-01-17 |title=Croatia Seeks INA Arbitration Against Hungary's Mol, TV Reports |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-01-17/croatia-seeks-ina-arbitration-against-hungary-s-mol-tv-reports |access-date=2023-08-31}} where the Hungarian company was accused of obtaining managerial control over INA through illicit means.
The ICSID decision highlighted Croatia's breach of contract,{{Cite web |last=Belančić |first=Nataša |date=2022-07-07 |title=Hungary's Mol: ICSID ruling shows Croatia failed to prove corruption allegations |url=https://n1info.hr/english/news/hungarys-mol-icsid-ruling-shows-croatia-failed-to-prove-corruption-allegations/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=N1 |language=hr}} notably with regard to issues like gas trade regulation and natural gas pricing. This disregard for the law significantly harmed INA and, inadvertently, MOL. Further compensation was granted to MOL due to the compelled sale of stored natural gas by an INA subsidiary at lower prices.
Zdravko Maric, the Croatian Finance Minister,{{Cite web |last=NEMZET |first=MAGYAR |date=2022-07-07 |title=Mol wins lawsuit against Croatia, millions of dollars awarded in compensation |url=https://magyarnemzet.hu/english/2022/07/mol-wins |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=Mol wins lawsuit against Croatia, millions of dollars awarded in compensation |language=hu}}{{Cite web |last=Belančić |first=Nataša |date=2022-07-06 |title=Finance Minister Zdravko Maric abruptly resigns, for unknown reasons |url=https://n1info.hr/english/news/finance-minister-zdravko-maric-abruptly-resigns-for-unknown-reasons/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=N1 |language=hr}} submitted his resignation after the ICSID's decision, claiming personal reasons. It remains unclear, though, exactly how his departure relates to the court's decision.
The ICSID decision is an important turning point in the prolonged legal fight between MOL and Croatia{{Cite web |title=Republic of Croatia v MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas PLC - UNCITRAL - PCA Case No 2014-15 - Government of the Republic of Croatia says Swiss court refuses to revoke arbitration ruling in MOL-INA case - 27 ... |url=https://www.ogel.org/legal-and-regulatory-detail.asp?key=23750 |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=Oil, Gas & Energy Law Journal (OGEL)}} and a significant shift in their tumultuous history.
= Croatia's request for review was denied by the Swiss court =
In a related matter, opposition parties within the Croatian parliament were disappointment following the Swiss Federal Supreme Court's decision to reject Croatia's application{{Cite web |title=Swiss top court rejects Croatia's request to review UNCITRAL ruling in favour of MOL – report |url=https://seenews.com/news/swiss-top-court-rejects-croatias-request-to-review-uncitral-ruling-in-favour-of-mol-report-800993 |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=seenews.com |date=12 October 2022 |language=en}} for a review of the 2016 INA arbitration case. Ivo Sanader and Zsolt Tamas Hernádi were found guilty of bribery{{Cite web |title=Croatia fails to reopen award after bribery verdict |url=https://globalarbitrationreview.com/article/croatia-fails-reopen-award-after-bribery-verdict |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=globalarbitrationreview.com |language=en}} in a judgment that was upheld by the Croatian Supreme Court in February 2022, at the time when a request for a review was made.
Significant differences in the testimony of various people, most notably Robert Jezic, influenced the Swiss court's ruling. This outcome drew frustration among Croatian officials, with MP Dalija Oreskovic (Centre) asserting that the situation highlighted the nation's vulnerability and the potential inadequacy of its representation.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-19 |title=Croatia political briefing: Local Politics in Croatia: Investigation of a County Prefect Suspected… – China-CEE Institute |url=https://china-cee.eu/2023/04/19/croatia-political-briefing-local-politics-in-croatia-investigation-of-a-county-prefect-suspected-of-breaching-the-official-duty/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |language=en-GB}}
Some MPs contended that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court's verdict indicated concerns about the independence of Croatia's judiciary.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-07 |title=MOL Wins Arbitration Lawsuit against Croatia at ICSID |url=https://hungarytoday.hu/mol-wins-arbitration-case-lawsuit-against-croatia-at-icsid/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=Hungary Today |language=en}} Nikola Grmoja (Most party) suggested that the outcome of the INA case influenced the arbitration's result and the subsequent review request.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=Swiss court rejects Croatia's request for revision of 2016 UNCITRAL award |url=https://www.iareporter.com/articles/swiss-court-rejects-croatias-request-for-revision-of-2016-uncitral-award/ |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=Investment Arbitration Reporter |language=en-US}} He raised concerns about systemic flaws within Croatia's judicial system, casting doubt on the notion of an impartial judiciary.
= Operations in Russia =
According to a list maintained by the Yale School of Management, as of March 2022, the company continues to do business in Russia despite a widespread boycott after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |title=Over 450 Companies Have Withdrawn from Russia—But Some Remain |url=https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/over-450-companies-have-withdrawn-russia-some-remain |publisher=Yale School of Business |access-date=29 March 2022}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20100628182927/http://www.molgroup.hu/en/}} (archived)
{{BUX companies}}
{{Petroleum industry}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mol (Company)}}
Category:Companies based in Budapest
Category:Non-renewable resource companies established in 1957
Category:Companies listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange
Category:Companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Category:Oil and gas companies of Hungary
Category:Oil pipeline companies
Category:Natural gas pipeline companies
Category:Petrochemical companies
Category:Energy companies established in 1957
Category:1957 establishments in Hungary