LAVAL, Quebec – Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. announced this week that it would increase its presence in the Midwest through the acquisition of 55 conveniences stores in Illinois and Indiana. The stores are currently operated as Super Pantry stores, offering Phillips 66 and Mobil branded motor fuel, and will be operated under Couche-Tard’s Circle K brand after the acquisition. Fifty-one of the stores are located in Illinois, with the remaining four in Indiana.

Late last year, Couche-Tard acquired 23 stores in New Mexico, and with this week’s announcement, the company’s Circle K Midwest Division will include a total of 600 company-operated stores and 193 locations under wholesale or franchise agreement. Globally, the company's network includes more than 13,000 sites.

According to a company press release, the deal is expected to be completed by mid-October. In announcing the news, Jon Stewart, President and CEO of Tri Star Marketing, whose family has led the Super Pantry business for 60-plus years, commented "I am personally excited about this transaction, the addition of Super Pantry to Couche-Tard's network of convenience stores will complement its leadership position under the Circle K brand. It is a true win for both consumers and shareholders of both organizations."