France's Oil Major Is Getting Ready for an Electric Future

Total SA deepened its foray into power and gas retail, underlining a strategy shift among European oil majors as the global transition to cleaner energy gathers pace. The French company agreed to buy Paris-based utility Direct Energie, adding 2.6 million electricity and gas customers at home and in Belgium. The deal puts Total in a stronger position to lure households away from market leaders Electricite de France SA and Engie SA, and follows a similar utility acquisition by Royal Dutch Shell Plc in December.