The global convenience store operator Couche-Tard has entered into an agreement to buy the Wilsons network of gas stations.
Couche-Tard, which operates Circle K and Mac’s convenience stores in Canada, says it has signed a binding agreement with the holding companies that run the Wilsons network.
Wilsons is an independent network of close to 80 convenience and retail stores spread out across all four Atlantic Canadian provinces. Those stores operate under the Esso, Wilsons Gas Stops, and Go! Store brands.
Along with the 80 or so convenience stores, the Couche-Tard purchase includes 147 dealer locations (of which two are corporately owned), and a marine fuel terminal in Halifax.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022, although it still must pass muster with Canada’s regulatory bodies, including Competition Bureau.
The Wilson family started its business empire with a single gas station and has grown to encompass a wide portfolio of Atlantic Canadian businesses over eight generations.
In a statement posted on The Wilsons Gas Stop website, the family says it will “remain focused on business as usual” as the sale plays out and that it will “share more about this transaction when it has been finalized.”
“We have decided it is the right time for our family to pass the baton to someone to take this business to the next level,” the family says.
“The business approach and values of Wilsons and its employees, created over many years, is something we are very proud of, and we feel are aligned with those of the new owners. Couche-Tard’s scale and capability gives our staff tremendous opportunities for personal growth and furthers our customers’ access to the best offers in the gasoline convenience retail industry. We feel this deal assures a long term and sustainable future for the gas and retail company that we’ve built.”
The Wilson families will continue to own and operate their other existing businesses, which include Wilsons Heating, Wilsons Security, Kerr Controls, and Ski Wentworth.
“We intend to remain a strong, Nova Scotia-based multi-generational family company; one that is always evolving,” the family says.
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is the second-largest convenience store operator in North America, and has operations around the globe. Including its Mac’s and Circle K stores in Canada, the company operates more than 14,200 stores in 26 countries.
In 2008, the company signed a deal with Irving Oil Inc. to operate Circle K convenience stores out of Irving’s gas stations.
