Deal covering 188 stores significantly boosts the chain’s presence in western New York.
7-Eleven, Inc. has signed an agreement to purchase Wilson Farms, a Buffalo-based convenience store chain with 188 outlets in New York state, with an expected closing in the second quarter. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The addition of Wilson Farms significantly increases 7-Eleven’s presence in the western New York area. Post closing, 7-Eleven will assume responsibility for all Wilson Farms locations and personnel from the WFI Group, which is led by Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., a private-equity firm, and the Nanula Family, which together have managed the stores since 2005.
“Wilson Farms has a successful store operation, quality locations and a strong customer-service culture,” said Stan Reynolds, 7-Eleven executive vice president and CFO. “The combination of the two companies will strengthen our convenience offering in the western New York area.”
As the global leader of convenience retailing, 7-Eleven continues to grow its business by adding stores through traditional store development, business conversions and acquisitions.
Sites from ExxonMobil, Inc. in Florida and Illinois, certain Shell sites in Dallas, Quarles Petroleum Inc., Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Zooms, Inc., New England Pantry, and Little Sue are among the company’s most recent acquisitions.
“Consumers can expect to benefit from 7-Eleven’s greater concentration of stores in this area, introduction of private brands and other proprietary products,” Reynolds said. “Like Wilson Farms, 7-Eleven is committed to bringing customers quality fresh food, good value and friendly service.”
7-Eleven will invest in remodeling the stores, adding proprietary beverages, like Big Gulp fountain and Slurpee drinks, coffee service and fresh foods. Local contractors will be hired for the remodeling program to begin later this year. Additionally, the company will introduce its proprietary retail information system to the Wilson Farms stores to provide store personnel with leading technology to serve their customers’ needs.
