UK
Billionaire Issa Brothers Relocate Petrol Empire to USA Ahead of $13 Billion IPO: Billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa are moving their petrol station empire from Blackburn, UK to the United States, marking a major shift in their global business strategy. Their company, EG Group, confirmed it will relocate its global headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, ahead of an anticipated $13 billion IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.
Strategic Move to the U.S. Market
The relocation underscores a decisive pivot toward the U.S., which has become EG Group’s largest market, generating the majority of its revenues. Industry data from IndexBox reveals that the American fuel station and convenience store market offers far greater scale compared to Europe, strengthening the commercial rationale for this transition.
End of an Era in Blackburn
The decision ends nearly 25 years of EG Group’s operations in Blackburn, the brothers’ hometown and the place that witnessed their remarkable rags-to-riches journey. While the global HQ moves to the U.S., the company’s remaining UK operations will shift to a new site in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
Despite the move, the Issa brothers remain deeply connected to Blackburn. They have recently proposed plans for one of Britain’s largest cemeteries, along with a mosque and luxury mansions near their childhood neighborhood in Brookhouse.
Ownership and Restructuring
Mohsin and Zuber Issa will continue to hold a combined 50% stake in EG Group, while private equity firm TDR Capital retains the other half. The restructuring follows years of debt-fueled acquisitions and a significant shake-up of their UK operations.
In 2024, Zuber Issa spun off the company’s British forecourts into a separate business called EG On The Move, which continues to be headquartered in Blackburn.
Looking Ahead
The relocation and planned flotation on the New York Stock Exchange highlight EG Group’s ambition to strengthen its U.S. presence while leveraging the scale of the American market. However, the shift also signals a symbolic end to the company’s long-standing ties to its Blackburn base, even as the Issa brothers invest in projects to leave a lasting legacy in their hometown.
An EG Group spokesman confirmed: “As stated at our results on August 20, we are moving our European shared service centre from Blackburn to Bolton, Greater Manchester.”
With the IPO on the horizon, all eyes will be on how the Issa brothers position their empire in the competitive American marketplace.
