Couche-Tard to Buy 15 Speedways

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. plans to buy 15 Speedway convenience stores in central Illinois from Speedway SuperAmerica LLC. Laval, Quebec-based Couche-Tard, which operates the giant Circle K chain in the U.S. along with its Canadian locations, plans to close the deal in April.

The Illinois Speedway stores, all of which sell gas, are located along major travel routes and are currently operated under the Marathon Oil brand. Couche-Tard will purchase the land and buildings for 14 of the 15 locations. The fifteenth store is leased. Eventually, all stores will carry the Circle K name.

Couche-Tard's giant Circle K Midwest Division has 354 company operated stores. The company operates a total network of 5,690 convenience stores. Stores are located in 29 states and six Canadian provinces. The company hopes to eventually operate 500 stores.