Purchase includes On the Run / Marche Express convenience store franchise system and 17 Esso-branded retail sites.
Parkland Fuel Corp. is acquiring Imperial Oil’s On the Run / Marché Express convenience store franchise system and related trademarks in Canada. In addition, Parkland will also purchase the real estate assets at 17 Esso-branded retail sites in Saskatchewan and Manitoba as part of the transaction.
The transaction includes the franchise agreements for approximately 80 On the Run / Marché Express convenience stores currently operated by Esso-branded fuel dealers and distributors. These stores, located across Canada, will continue to be operated by the franchisee dealers and distributors of Esso-branded products. The agreement also transfers the On the Run / Marché Express trademarks to Parkland, providing Parkland with a national convenience store brand to grow and enhance its convenience store offering.
“Parkland continues its strategy of being a disciplined acquirer that focuses on accretive opportunities that drive shareholder value. I am pleased that our team has successfully negotiated this purchase at an attractive valuation,” said Bob Espey, Parkland’s president and CEO.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow a leading convenience store brand in Canada,” said Peter Kilty, vice president, retail. “On the Run / Marché Express has strong brand equity that resonates with customers. The high quality of the On the Run / Marché Express franchisees will enhance Parkland’s strong platform for driving organic growth. This strategic acquisition positions Parkland to roll out one of Canada’s best known brands across our national convenience store network. The brand will enhance our focus on driving non-fuel sales growth in our existing network as we continue to work towards exceeding our customers’ expectations. We welcome and share the franchisees’ commitment to excellence.”
Parkland is concurrently acquiring the land, buildings and equipment at 17 Esso-branded retail sites across Saskatchewan and Manitoba from Imperial. These retail sites are already operated by Parkland under long-term operating leases with Imperial. Both agreements are subject to standard closing conditions and are anticipated to close by the end of the third quarter in 2016.