Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard Agrees to Acquire Polish Żabka Chain

Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), the Canadian owner of Circle K gas stations, is poised to acquire the Polish convenience store chain Żabka, marking a significant shift in ownership after a previous deal with Japanese investors fell through. The agreement with ACT, which operates extensively in Poland, signals a new chapter for the popular Polish retailer.

The proposed acquisition has already impacted Żabka's market performance, with its shares rising by up to 10% to 31.9 zlotys on Friday. The market price is now nearly aligned with the Kanadyjczycy's offer price of 32 zlotys per share. This valuation places the entire Żabka chain at an estimated 32.6 billion Polish zlotys, equivalent to $8.6 billion.

ACT, a global leader in convenience and mobility, anticipates significant synergistic benefits from integrating Żabka into its portfolio. The company's presence in Poland through its Circle K brand suggests a strategic move to expand its footprint in the Central European market. The deal is subject to further conditions and regulatory approvals, but the agreement with controlling shareholders represents a major step towards completion.