Unipetrol RPA and Benzina to merge

Two Czech companies controlled by Polish refiner PKN Orlen, Unipetrol RPA and Benzina which are included in Unipetrol's group will merge within a few weeks, a press release read. Orlen reported that the merger is an "optimization strategy" of its asset structure in the Czech Republic and aims to strengthen Unipetrol's position in the market. Nearly 63 percent of Unipetrol's shares is owned by Orlen. The company plans to invest PLN 4 billion by 2017. Benzina manages over 300 gas stations in the Czech Republic.