Couche-Tard to acquire Wilsons Gas Stops and Go! Stores

Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian convenience store company, has agreed to acquire Esso Wilsons Gas Stops and Go! Stores for an undisclosed price.

Wilsons Gas Stops and Go! Stores is an independent convenience store and fuel network in Atlantic Canada that is operated by Cape D’Or Holdings, Barrington Terminals, and other related holding entities, which are all being acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard.

The Wilsons convenience store and fuel network is present in all four Atlantic Canada provinces. It includes 79 convenience retail and fuel locations that are corporate-owned and operated, 147 dealer locations, as well as a marine fuel terminal in Halifax in Nova Scotia.

Couche-Tard said that it plans to acquire the Wilsons network with certain assets to be bought by a third-party acquisition partner, which will be determined after a review of the proposed deal by the Canadian Competition Bureau.

Couche-Tard to acquire Wilsons Gas Stops and Go! Stores. Photo courtesy of Beltz/Wikipedia.org.

Brian Hannasch — President and CEO of Couche-Tard said: “The transaction is a great fit for Couche-Tard and will allow us to continue to build on our geographic expansion strategy through the addition of complementary sites while bringing added value to our team members and customers in Atlantic Canada.

“We are committed to purchasing strong sites with capabilities both inside the stores and on the forecourts to further our organic growth platforms and showcase Couche-Tard’s industry leading commitment to innovation and customer service, and we clearly see that potential in the Go! Stores and Wilsons’ assets and its dedicated employees.”

The deal, which is contingent on receipt of regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is anticipated to be completed in the first half of next year.

Wilsons Gas Stops stated: “During this next period, we remain focused on business as usual and will share more about this transaction when it has been finalized. We will stay in our positions and continue running the business until the transaction closes.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to support our employees, customers and Couche-Tard through a smooth and orderly transition.”