In 1888, Anglo-American Oil Co was established as the UK distributor of the products of Standard Oil Company of America. In 1938, the company acquired a majority interest in Cleveland, an independent company. The Cleveland name continued in use until 1973, when the Cleveland filling stations were re-branded as Esso. The remaining shares of Cleveland were acquired in 1954.

The Anglo-American Oil Co changed its name to Esso Petroleum Co Ltd in 1951.