In a release from Brussels, which ADM saw yesterday, the Corporation said those transactions remain subject to approval of the relevant authorities in a number of countries and, until such approvals are granted, the two companies will remain competitors and would continue to operate their businesses separately.

The agreements cover ExxonMobils' motor fuels, lubricants, aviation and marine petroleum products businesses in Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These transactions include a network of about 500 service stations and associated supply and distribution facilities.

ExxonMobil would continue to be a leading fuel and lubricants marketer in African, retaining more than 80 percent of its downstream business there. ExxonMobil affiliates will retain a network of about 1300 Mobil and Esso branded service stations and will supply aviation fuel to 21 airports. Mobil and Esso branded lubricants will continue to be marketed in 30 African countries, meeting customer needs for passenger vehicles, trucking and industrial uses.

An executive of Mobil Oil Ghana told ADM yesterday that Mobil filling stations, which at one time were together with Shell and BP ubiquitous in Ghana could vanish from the country.

He explained that the Ghana operation is 60% owned by the soon to be former mother company and the remaining shares traded on the Ghana Stock Market. He explained that complicated financials and paperwork have to be done first.

He could not immediately say whether this would affect jobs in the sector, but said there would definitely be changes and adjustments in the industry