Wells Fargo weighs in on the divestiture.
CST Brands Inc., a San Antonio-based Fortune 500 fuel and convenience retailer, has entered into a definitive agreement to sell store operations in both the California and Wyoming markets to 7-Eleven Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SEI Fuel Services Inc.
The transaction includes 76 stores in California and three stores in Wyoming.
The purchase price for the transaction is $408 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including possible purchase price adjustments at the time of close. The cash deal is expected to close mid-summer 2016; however, there is no assurance that a transaction will be completed. With the closing of this transaction, CST expects to realize a tax benefit from the completion of a like kind exchange strategy with its purchase of the properties that were acquired in Georgia and Florida as part of the Flash Foods network.
“These have been great performing stores, which is a tribute to our hardworking, dedicated employees,” said Kim Lubel, chairman, president and CEO of CST. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the right buyer and we look forward to working with 7-Eleven to close this transaction.”
Raymond James advised CST Brands, Inc. in the transaction.
As announced on March 3, 2016, CST is in the process of conducting a full exploration of strategic alternatives for CST to further enhance stockholder value. As previously indicated, CST has formed a special committee of independent directors to oversee the process. The Company intends to provide updates if and when it determines that disclosure is appropriate or necessary.
“We view this sale favorably. CST sold its network of stores for a good price, realized tax benefits associated with it, and importantly this will allow CST to redeploy capital to the Georgia/Florida market via its Flash Foods acquisition, and continue its strategy of focusing on foodservice and NTI (New-to-Industry) builds, neither of which were achievable in California,” said Bonnie Herzog, senior analyst for Wells Fargo Securities.