Virši gets greenlight for network expansion via Astarte deal
Approval secured for long-term lease of 17 service stations, marking a significant retail expansion across Latvia.
AS Virši has received approval from Latvia’s Competition Council to proceed with the long-term lease of 17 service stations currently operating under the Astarte brand. The agreement will see the company taking over the sites from SIA Naftimpeks, with the transition scheduled for June and July.
The acquisition will increase Virši’s total network from 84 to 101 service stations, strengthening its footprint across regional markets in Latvia and expanding access to its fuel and convenience offer. The company plans to complete a full modernization and integration of the acquired locations into its network by the end of 2026.
The upgrade process will include infrastructure improvements, branding changes and the introduction of the retailer’s services. Employees from the Astarte sites are expected to undergo training and gradually join the brand’s workforce as part of the transition.
Jānis Vība, Chairman of the Management Board at Virši, said: “We are pleased to move into the next phase of this project, which involves substantial investments in the new stations to introduce the full range of Virši services.”
To ensure continuity for customers, existing Astarte loyalty cards will remain valid across both networks during the transition period. The move reflects Virši’s broader growth strategy, focused on expanding its retail and energy presence while enhancing service quality.
