DALLAS - 7-Eleven Inc. announced earlier this week that it achieved record growth in 2012, adding nearly 5,000 stores to its worldwide store count. Additionally, it said that it expects to pass the 50,000-store mark by the end of the first quarter.

"2012 was a tremendous year for us in terms of organic store growth, acquisitions and business conversions. We expect accelerated growth in North America to continue, and we also see many more opportunities for international expansion," said 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto.

7-Eleven??s U.S. growth strategy focuses on metropolitan areas, where the company can best increase efficiencies and leverage its daily-delivery infrastructure.

Last year, the company added nearly 1,000 new stores in the U.S. and Canada, and 4,000 units in other countries.

At the end of 2012, 7-Eleven operated, franchised and licensed more than 10,000 stores in North America (including Mexico), and over 39,000 7-Eleven stores in Europe, Australia and Asia, for a total of approximately 49,500 stores in 16 countries.