Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. said it will acquire Poland's Żabka Group for approximately US$8.7 billion [1].
The deal represents the largest acquisition in the history of the Canadian convenience-store operator. By absorbing the Polish retailer, Couche-Tard accelerates its expansion into the European market and grows its global network of convenience stores.
Żabka operates a network of more than 13,000 stores [2]. These locations are characterized by a compact format, with an average store size of about 700 square feet [2]. The retailer maintains a strong presence in Poland and also operates stores in Romania [3].
Reports on the final purchase price vary slightly between sources. One report lists the offer at US$8.6 billion [1], while others state the price is about US$8.7 billion [1]. The company said it has launched a voluntary tender offer to acquire a controlling stake in the Żabka Group [4].
This strategic move allows Couche-Tard to leverage Żabka's established infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe. The company aims to integrate these high-density, small-format stores into its broader international strategy to capture more urban consumer traffic.
The transaction marks a shift in the company's growth trajectory, moving from smaller regional acquisitions to a multi-billion dollar entry into a dominant European retail position [1, 3].
“The deal represents the largest acquisition in the history of the Canadian convenience-store operator.”
This acquisition signals a pivot toward aggressive expansion in the European convenience sector. By acquiring a retailer with a high volume of small-format stores, Couche-Tard is betting on the urban convenience model to drive growth in markets where traditional large-scale gas station hubs are less viable than neighborhood-centric retail.
