Report: Canadian c-store giant set to make another U.S. acquisition

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is reportedly nearing a deal that would increase the ongoing consolidation in the convenience-store industry.



The Canadian convenience-store giant is in the lead to acquire CST Brands Inc., the Wall Street Journal reported.



CST, based in San Antonio, Texas, is a fuel and convenience-store chain with more than 1,000 stores in the southwestern U.S., New York and eastern Canada.



The majority of its locations operate under the Corner Store banner. CST previously announced it was exploring strategic options amid pressure from activist shareholders.



Couche-Tard operates convenience stores in Canada, the United States and Europe under several banners, including Couche-Tard, Kangaroo Express, Topaz, Ingo and Circle K. It has been a consolidator in the convenience-store industry, according to the report. In December 2014, it announced a deal to buy The Pantry Inc. for about $860 million.