A series of acquisitions have fuelled profits at Malthurst, the petrol-station operator. The company buys fuel from oil giants such as Shell, Texaco and BP and also operates shops under these brands. Between 2000 and 2003 the company acquired 50 outlets, bringing the total to 120. In October 2004, management acquired Q8, the oil firm and petrol-station operator, in a joint venture, but that business will trade separately from Malthurst. Profits grew 65% a year from £1.1m in 2001 to an annualised £4.9m in 2004.