By Lauren Hirsch
NEW YORK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Canadian convenience store
operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc ATDb.TO is in the lead
to acquire CST Brands Inc CST.N , a U.S.-based convenience
store retailer, according to two sources familiar with the
matter.
San Antonio, Texas-based CST owns and operates convenience
stores and gas stations in Canada and the United States, and it
controls the general partner of gas station company CrossAmerica
Partners LP CAPL.N .
CST declined to comment. Couche-Tard did not immediately
respond to a request for comment.
The move highlights the level of consolidation in the
convenience store sector and reinforces Couche-Tard as one of
the most acquisitive players in the industry.
The news comes about two months after Reuters reported that
Couche-Tard and Japan's Seven & i Holdings Co Ltd 3382.T had
submitted offers to acquire CST. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N18U1SF
The Wall Street Journal first reported that Couche-Tard was
close to buying CST.
(Reporting by Lauren Hirsch; Writing by John Tilak; Editing by
Lisa Von Ahn)
((john.tilak@thomsonreuters.com; 1-416-687-7918; Reuters
Messaging: john.tilak.reuters.com@reuters.net))
Keywords: CST BRANDS M&A/ALIMENTATION C T