Giant Eagle to Sell GetGo Convenience Stores to Alimentation Couche-Tard: What It Means for Circle K and MyPerks

In a strategic move that is set to reshape the convenience store landscape, Giant Eagle has announced the sale of its GetGo convenience stores to Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the Canadian conglomerate that operates the Circle K brand. This transaction, expected to close in 2025, will see all 270 GetGo locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana transferred to Couche-Tard. The deal is a significant milestone for both companies, as it allows Giant Eagle to refocus its efforts on its core supermarket and pharmacy businesses while providing Couche-Tard with an opportunity to expand its footprint in the U.S. convenience store market.

Giant Eagle, a prominent player in the grocery industry, has long been a household name in the regions it serves. The decision to sell GetGo was driven by the company’s desire to streamline its operations and concentrate on enhancing its supermarket and pharmacy offerings. According to Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman, this move will enable the company to prioritize investments and resources, ultimately making Giant Eagle stronger and more competitive. Artman expressed excitement about the sale, noting that it aligns with the company’s long-term strategic goals and will benefit customers, team members, and communities alike.

Alimentation Couche-Tard, based in Quebec, Canada, is a global leader in the convenience store and fuel retail business. With over 16,700 stores in 31 countries and territories, including more than 7,100 in the United States under the Circle K banner, Couche-Tard has a proven track record of successful acquisitions and integrations. The addition of GetGo’s 270 locations will further bolster Couche-Tard’s presence in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, complementing its existing network and enhancing its ability to serve customers with high-quality products and services.

The sale of GetGo to Couche-Tard also includes a partnership agreement to maintain and expand Giant Eagle’s popular MyPerks loyalty program. This program, which allows customers to earn rewards for purchases and redeem them for free fuel and groceries, will continue to be available under the new ownership. Both companies have expressed a commitment to enhancing the MyPerks program, ensuring that customers can continue to enjoy its benefits. This collaboration underscores the mutual respect and shared vision between Giant Eagle and Couche-Tard, as they work together to provide exceptional value to their customers.

GetGo, known for its innovative, food-first approach, offers a variety of store models, including open-concept stores and stand-alone kiosks. The convenience stores feature a wide selection of made-to-order foods, high-quality beverages, and essential groceries, making them a popular choice for busy consumers. Couche-Tard has indicated that it plans to maintain GetGo’s focus on foodservice, leveraging its expertise to further enhance the customer experience. This alignment with Couche-Tard’s strategic goal of expanding its foodservice options positions the acquisition as a win-win for both companies.

With approximately 3,500 employees across its 270 locations, GetGo has built a reputation for excellent customer service and a strong, loyal customer base. Couche-Tard has praised the quality of GetGo’s stores and the dedication of its team members, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute to the company’s ongoing success. The acquisition will see all dedicated GetGo employees retained, ensuring continuity and stability for both staff and customers. This commitment to maintaining the workforce highlights Couche-Tard’s recognition of the value that GetGo’s employees bring to the table.

The sale of GetGo is subject to approval from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a standard procedure for transactions of this magnitude. Both Giant Eagle and Couche-Tard are confident that the deal will receive the necessary regulatory approvals, paving the way for a smooth transition. Once finalized, the transaction will mark a new chapter for GetGo, as it becomes part of one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the world. This integration is expected to bring significant benefits to the Pittsburgh community and beyond, as Couche-Tard continues to invest in and grow the GetGo brand.

Giant Eagle’s decision to sell GetGo is a bold move that aligns with its 93-year history of making strategic decisions to strengthen its business. The company, which operates over 470 locations under the Giant Eagle, Market District, and GetGo banners, is among the top 20 employers in Pennsylvania and the fifth-largest employer in Allegheny County. By divesting its convenience store division, Giant Eagle can allocate more resources to its supermarket and pharmacy businesses, driving growth and innovation in these core areas. This strategic shift is expected to enhance the company’s competitiveness and ensure its long-term success.

For Couche-Tard, the acquisition of GetGo represents a significant expansion of its North American network. The company, which operates under well-known banners such as Couche-Tard and Circle K, has a strong presence in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Belgium, and Ireland, as well as a growing footprint in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Hong Kong. The addition of GetGo’s locations will further solidify Couche-Tard’s position as a leader in the convenience store and fuel retail industries, enabling it to better serve customers and communities across the United States.

The transaction also presents an opportunity for Giant Eagle to support and invest in its team members. By focusing on its core businesses, the company can provide more targeted training and development programs, enhancing the skills and capabilities of its workforce. This investment in human capital is expected to drive higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting customers through improved service and a more efficient shopping experience. Giant Eagle’s commitment to its employees is a testament to its values and dedication to creating a positive work environment.

As the transition unfolds, customers can expect to see continued enhancements to the MyPerks loyalty program. Both Giant Eagle and Couche-Tard have expressed a commitment to expanding the program, offering new and exciting ways for customers to earn and redeem rewards. This focus on customer loyalty is a key component of the companies’ shared vision, as they strive to provide exceptional value and convenience. The partnership on the MyPerks program is a clear indication of the collaborative spirit between Giant Eagle and Couche-Tard, as they work together to deliver a seamless and rewarding experience for their customers.

In conclusion, the sale of GetGo to Alimentation Couche-Tard marks a significant milestone for both companies. For Giant Eagle, the transaction allows for a renewed focus on its core supermarket and pharmacy businesses, driving growth and innovation. For Couche-Tard, the acquisition expands its North American network and enhances its foodservice offerings, positioning the company for continued success. The partnership on the MyPerks loyalty program ensures that customers will continue to enjoy valuable rewards and benefits, while the retention of GetGo’s employees provides stability and continuity. As the deal progresses towards its expected closure in 2025, both Giant Eagle and Couche-Tard are poised to deliver significant benefits to their customers, team members, and communities.