Laval, Quebec-based convenience-store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. announced Friday that it has submitted an offer valued at more than $12 billion to acquire Zabka Group, a leading Polish corner-store chain. The proposed takeover marks a significant step for Couche-Tard, which already operates thousands of stores worldwide under its Couche-Tard and Circle K brands.
The bid represents Couche-Tard’s latest expansion effort following a prolonged attempt to purchase the parent company of 7-Eleven, a pursuit that did not come to fruition after more than a year of negotiations. The company did not disclose specific terms beyond the headline valuation or break down the strategic rationale behind the Zabka proposal, but indicated the offer was extended in good faith to the Zabka management and board for consideration.
Zabka Group, based in Poland, operates a network of convenience stores across the country and is recognized as one of the dominant players in Poland’s retail on-the-go sector. The potential deal would combine Zabka’s extensive Polish footprint with Couche-Tard’s international scale, supply chain capabilities, and branding across multiple markets.
Industry observers note that such cross-border consolidation could intensify competition within Central and Eastern Europe’s rapidly evolving convenience-store landscape, where consumer demand for quick-service formats and accessible locations continues to grow. Any agreement would be subject to customary regulatory approvals in Poland and other relevant jurisdictions, as well as due diligence findings and financing arrangements.
Couche-Tard emphasized its ongoing commitment to strategic opportunities that could enhance shareholder value and strengthen its position in the global convenience segment. Analysts will be closely watching for Zabka’s response and any subsequent statements regarding the status of talks, potential conditions, and anticipated timelines for decision-making.