Zuber Issa: The Visionary Billionaire Reshaping Britain’s Retail and Energy Landscape
In recent years, the name Zuber Issa has become synonymous with bold entrepreneurship, transformative acquisitions, and the reinvention of Britain’s retail and forecourt sectors. Alongside his brother Mohsin Issa, Zuber has carved out an empire that started from humble beginnings in Lancashire and has since grown into a global business network. From acquiring supermarkets to investing in iconic brands and negotiating landmark forecourt deals, his journey reflects ambition, resilience, and innovation. This article delves into the life and business ventures of Zuber Issa, exploring his role in building the Issa brothers’ empire, his high-profile moves such as the Petrogas Group acquisition, his investment in Duckhams, and personal details including his family life.
Early Life and the Rise of the Issa Brothers
Humble Beginnings in Blackburn
Zuber Issa was born in June 1972 in Blackburn, Lancashire, to parents who migrated from Gujarat, India. His upbringing was modest, shaped by the values of hard work and discipline. The Issa family initially worked in textiles before moving into small business ownership. These roots grounded Zuber and his brother Mohsin in the ethos of entrepreneurship long before they created their empire.
The First Forecourt
In 2001, Zuber and Mohsin Issa pooled their resources to buy a single rundown petrol forecourt in Bury, Greater Manchester. This marked the birth of Euro Garages, which would evolve into the globally renowned EG Group. Their approach was revolutionary: instead of limiting forecourts to fuel sales, they integrated convenience retail and foodservice brands such as Starbucks, Subway, and Greggs. This model transformed forecourts into multi-service destinations, reshaping consumer expectations and the industry itself.
Building EG Group: A Global Powerhouse
Expansion Through Acquisitions
Under the leadership of Mohsin and Zuber Issa, EG Group expanded rapidly across Europe, the United States, and Australia. Acquisitions became the core growth strategy, allowing the company to amass thousands of sites worldwide. Their ability to identify opportunities, secure financing, and modernise outlets earned them recognition as innovative entrepreneurs and self-made billionaires.
Asda: A Landmark Deal
One of the most high-profile chapters in their journey was the acquisition of Asda in 2021. In partnership with TDR Capital, the Issa brothers completed a £6.8 billion takeover of the supermarket chain, returning it to British ownership. This deal cemented their reputation as bold deal-makers capable of competing with multinational giants.
Diverging Paths: Mohsin and Zuber Issa
Mohsin’s Leadership at Asda
While both brothers shared ownership, their professional paths began to diverge. Mohsin took on the role of Asda’s Chief Executive, steering the supermarket through a period of transformation. He has since stepped back to focus on new investments and business ventures in the UK.
Zuber and EG On The Move
Zuber, meanwhile, created a new venture, EG On The Move, after purchasing the remaining UK forecourts from EG Group in 2024. This move allowed him to focus on developing a streamlined retail and fuel network in Britain, integrating modern convenience services with a strong emphasis on customer experience. EG On The Move has quickly become a recognised brand in its own right, with Zuber at its helm.
Zuber Issa and the Petrogas Group Acquisition
A Bold £600 Million Bid
In late 2024, Zuber Issa made headlines again with his pursuit of a £600 million acquisition of Petrogas Group Limited, the UK arm of Irish forecourt operator Applegreen. The deal, if completed, would add more than 100 petrol stations to EG On The Move’s portfolio, significantly expanding its footprint.
Financing and Strategic Vision
The bid is supported by Rabobank, the Dutch lender backing EG On The Move’s ambitions. Zuber’s strategy goes beyond traditional forecourts. His plan involves the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and collaborations with popular retail and foodservice brands to ensure long-term sustainability in a changing energy landscape.
Market Implications
The acquisition highlights Zuber’s determination to compete with established giants like BP, Shell, and Tesco. Should the deal materialise, it will reinforce his position as a major player in the UK retail and energy sector, while intensifying competition across the forecourt market.
Zuber Issa’s Investment in Duckhams
Reviving an Iconic Brand
In May 2025, Zuber Issa made another strategic move by investing in Duckhams, a legendary British motor oil brand founded in 1899. This independent investment valued Duckhams at approximately £50 million and marked Zuber’s intention to diversify his portfolio beyond forecourts and retail.
Growth Strategy
Duckhams, once discontinued under BP, was revived in 2016 and is now positioned for expansion under Issa’s guidance. Plans include increasing its presence from 24 to 50 global markets by 2030. The strategy relies on a franchising model, allowing regional partners to blend and distribute oils locally, keeping operations agile and cost-effective.
Heritage and Modernisation
Zuber’s investment not only leverages Duckhams’ heritage—famous for its association with motorsport legends like Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell—but also aligns with modern trends in automotive and lubricant innovation. Stocking Duckhams products in EG On The Move forecourts further strengthens cross-business synergies.
Personal Life: Zuber Issa’s Family
Marriage and Children
Behind the boardroom deals and billion-pound acquisitions lies a family man. Zuber Issa is married to Asma Issa, with whom he has four children—three daughters and one son. Asma and their eldest daughter, Ammarah, are actively involved in the business, working within EG On The Move. This reflects the family-oriented nature of Issa’s ventures, blending entrepreneurship with close personal ties.
Values and Philanthropy
Both Zuber and Mohsin remain connected to their cultural and community roots. They established the Issa Foundation, which supports educational, health, and community projects both in the UK and internationally. Their charitable contributions, alongside their business success, reflect a broader vision that goes beyond financial growth.
Challenges and Controversies
Debt and Business Scrutiny
Despite their success, the Issa brothers have faced criticism over their reliance on debt-fuelled acquisitions. Analysts have questioned the sustainability of rapid expansion, particularly given the pressures of inflation and shifting retail trends.
Public Criticism
The brothers have also been subject to public debate regarding their lavish lifestyles, including luxury mansions in Blackburn. However, they have consistently emphasised their commitment to business innovation and philanthropy, focusing on long-term value creation.
Future Outlook for Zuber Issa
EG On The Move’s Next Chapter
With EG On The Move, Zuber is firmly focused on building a lean, efficient, and competitive retail network. The potential Petrogas acquisition would be a transformative step, while integration of EV infrastructure and partnerships with consumer-favourite brands will define its future.
Diversification Through Duckhams
His investment in Duckhams demonstrates a willingness to diversify, revitalise historic brands, and pursue opportunities in adjacent industries. This move could open doors to global markets while complementing his retail footprint.
Legacy in the Making
Zuber Issa’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. From a single petrol forecourt to billion-pound acquisitions and brand revivals, he has built a legacy of ambition, innovation, and resilience. Whether through his forecourt ventures, investments in automotive heritage, or philanthropic commitments, Zuber Issa stands as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of modern Britain.
Conclusion
The story of Zuber Issa is one of relentless drive and visionary ambition. Alongside his brother Mohsin, he transformed a single forecourt into a global empire and then charted his own path through EG On The Move, strategic acquisitions, and iconic brand investments. His bid for Petrogas and his investment in Duckhams demonstrate a keen ability to balance heritage with innovation. At the same time, his family life and charitable commitments reveal a man deeply grounded in values.
As Britain’s retail and forecourt sectors continue to evolve, Zuber Issa’s influence will remain pivotal. He exemplifies the qualities of a modern entrepreneur: bold in strategy, innovative in execution, and unafraid to take risks that reshape industries. His journey is far from over, and the coming years may see him solidify his place among the most impactful business leaders in the UK and beyond.
