Gulf-Branded Stations Returning to Canada

BURLINGTON, Ont. — Gulf-branded service stations will return to Canada for the first time in 30 years.

Gulf Oil International Ltd. signed a long-term brand use license agreement with Canada's XTR Energy Co. Ltd. The first Gulf retail site is already up and running in the short time since the deal was inked.

“Gulf service stations are already present in 20 countries and Gulf Oil International is committed to growing networks in as many countries as possible throughout the world," said Paul Stennard, Gulf Oil International's business development manager. "Therefore, the new entry in Canada is another step toward achieving this target."

The agreement was recently signed by Gulf Oil Vice President, International, Frank Rutten and XTR President Ken Wootton at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race. Wootton said he is "extremely excited" about representing Gulf in Canada.

"We have come out of the gate strong and have opened our first Gulf site only days after contract signing, with many more sites under active solicitation. We still need to build out the full implementation model and loyalty programs to attract sites and customers, but the research is already well underway," Wootton added.

XTR will also be working in conjunction with Gulf's official Canadian lubricant distributor, Teklub, in order to help further develop retail lubricant sales in Canada.

Gulf Oil International Ltd. is part of the $18-billion Hinduja Group.

Established in 1999, Burlington-based XTR Entergy Co. Ltd. operates gas stations throughout the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.