KESQNewsChannel3: Companies show interest in Shell's Bakersfield refinery (ShellNews.net)

23 Sept 04

LOS ANGELES Shell Oil says it has received interest from more than 70 companies to buy its Bakersfield refinery that produces two percent of California's gasoline.

Shell had agreed to delay the planned closure of the refinery to allow for more time to find a buyer. Shell says more than 20 companies have signed confidentiality agreements, allowing them to enter the sales process.

The company says no new companies will be allowed to enter the sales process.

If no agreement can be reached with a company, Shell said the refinery closure plan will continue. Shell President Lynn Laverty Elsenhans has agreed to keep the refinery running through March 31st _ six months later than the October first planned shutdown date.

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