As part of its ongoing expansion, Nottinghamshire-based alternative energy company Alkane Energy has acquired rival company Greenpark Energy for £5.7m.

Afren Plc have appointed Patrick Obath as a Non Executive Director. The company has an annual turnover of £191.9m and over 200 employees.

Royal Dutch Shell's fourth quarter 2011 earnings, on a current cost of supplies basis, were $6.5bn compared with $5.7bn in the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2011 CCS earnings were $28.6bn compared with $18.6bn in 2010. Cash flow from operating activities was $6.5 billion for the fourth quarter 2011 and $36.8 billion for the full year.

Petroplus Refining and Marketing, the company that runs Coryton oil refinery has gone into administration leaving 1,000 jobs at risk at the site in Thurrock. Coryton refinery will continue to to operate without disruption while the financial position is clarified and restructuring options are explored. Jean-Paul Vettier is Cheif Executive Officer.