FINANCE

7-Eleven has accelerated its U.S. expansion by entering into the largest acquisition in its history.    The c-store retailer has agreed to buy the Sunoco chain of gas stations, which includes some 1,108 convenience stores located in 18 states, for a reported $3.3 billion.   

Zumiez’s net and same-store sales were on the climb for March.

The teen retailer’s total net sales for the five-week period ended April 1, 2017, increased 4.3% to $71.7 million, compared to $68.8 million for the five-week period ended April 2, 2016.

In a move to avoid filing Chapter 11, the fashion retailer is planning to shutter approximately 12% of its stores.   The closures will incur an impairment charge of approximately $2.0 million and will make a termination payment to the landlord of approximately $7.4 million, according to a filing the chain made on April 4, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.   

Despite gains in prescription marketshare and comparable pharmacy sales across its U.S. base, Walgreens Boots Alliance missed analyst expectations for its second quarter. 

Walgreens is still confident in its ability to close the Rite Aid transaction, but will force the issue if it comes to that, Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO Walgreens Boots Alliance, told analysts Wednesday morning.  

Panera Bread has been acquired by a European firm with a growing U.S. presence.     The fast-casual bakery/café brand has agreed to be acquired by JAB Holding Company, the investment arm of the Reimanns of Germany, for $7.5 billion, including the assumption of about $340 million in debt.    JAB’s U.S. holdings include Krispy Kreme Caribou Coffee, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Keurig Green Mountain.   

Hudson’s Bay Co. mirrored the challenges confronting the department store industry as it swung to a loss in its fourth quarter  and said it would cut costs and capital spending.   

Payless ShoeSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid growing competition from off-price retailers and online.

The retailer, which has some  4,400 locations in more than 30 countries, plans to immediately close nearly 400 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico as it attempts to boost its balance sheet and restructure its debt load.