SAINT JOHN, N.B. -- Irving Oil says it has finalized its acquisition of the Whitegate refinery near Cork, Ireland.

Irving joined with the Houston-based energy manufacturing and logistics company, Phillips 66, in buying Whitegate, Ireland's sole refinery.

Irving said in a statement today that it plans to operate the facility with the existing workforce.

It announced the deal last month with the expectation that it would close by the end of the third quarter and once the conditions of sale were met.

Ian Whitcomb, president of Irving Oil, says the acquisition helps the company expand its reach overseas and adds to its refinery in Saint John, N.B.