Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a Laval, Canada-headquartered multinational operator of convenience stores, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire GetGo Café + Market from the Giant Eagle supermarket chain. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to be finalized in 2025, were not disclosed.
GetGo has approximately 270 convenience retail and fueling outlets in the USA located across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, where upwards of 3,500 people are employed. Its extensive menu features fast food and made-to-order offerings includes chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, burgers, pulled pork subs, pizza, tacos, burritos, wraps, french fries, ice cream and other products.
“We are excited to welcome GetGo into the Couche-Tard family. It has built a strong and passionate customer base with high quality stores staffed by talented and engaged teams working to deliver a great experience,” said Brian Hannasch, president and chief executive officer of Couche-Tard. We have deep respect for its management and people as well as its outstanding food and loyalty programs.”
“We are energized by the potential for both Giant Eagle and GetGo as a result of this transaction,” added Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman. “This enhances our focus on our core supermarket and pharmacy businesses, enabling us to make strategic investments in our people, stores, and value proposition while matching GetGo with the perfect partner in Couche-Tard. Their depth of experience in convenience stores and fuel will create tremendous opportunities for our team members and customers.”
Eyeing Further Expansion in Japan
Meanwhile, NikkeiAsia reported on August 19 that Seven & i Holdings, the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan, has received a takeover bid from Couche-Tard. According to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter, the Tokyo-headquartered retail group has established a committee to review the offer.
Couche-Tard Inc. is present in 31 countries and territories, operating more than 16,700 stores, of which approximately 13,100 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store businesses in the United States and is a major player in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Belgium and Ireland. The company is also present in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Hong Kong. Approximately 149,000 people are employed throughout its network.
