Virši plans major Latvian expansion with lease of Astarte sites
Deal with Naftimpeks would increase the Virši network by more than 20% across the country.
Virši has notified Latvia’s Competition Council of a planned transaction to acquire long‑term lease rights to 19 fuel stations owned by Naftimpeks and currently operating under the Astarte brand.
If approved, the stations will gradually transition to the Virši brand, adding the company’s full service offering, including fuel retail and convenience stores. The expansion would bring the company’s network from to 103 stations, an increase of more than 20%, significantly strengthening national coverage and customer access.
Jānis Vība, Chairman of the Board of Virši, said: “We highly appreciate the contribution made by the Astarte Nafta team over the past thirty years to the development of the company and the industry as a whole. The planned cooperation will be implemented in a thoughtful and gradual manner, maintaining a responsible approach towards existing employees and recognising their contribution to the development of the stations to date.”
Ivars Blumbergs, Chairman of the Board of Naftimpeks, added: “The focus of this cooperation is the customer and the benefits they will gain - broader station coverage, more convenient access to services and additional advantages. We are confident that this partnership will ensure sustainable development and high added value for customers in the future.”
The transaction is subject to approval by the Competition Council. Virši currently operates 84 stations and employs more than 900 people across Latvia.
