Alimentation Couche-Tard

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. operates the largest number of company-operated convenience stores in North America. It also operates 1,487 affiliated locations in Canada and the U.S. The company operates a total of almost 6,000 stores under the Circle K, Couche-Tard, Daisy Mart and Mac's banners.

In April 2010, Couche-Tard Inc. launched an unsuccessful takeover bid for Casey's General Stores Inc., Ankeny, Iowa. The company then filed a court order challenging three Iowa anti-takeover laws and a suit against Casey's for an alleged “poison pill” approved by the board to block a takeover. In response, Casey's filed a lawsuit against Couche-Tard for selling the majority of its shares in the company in an alleged attempt to devalue the chain's worth and acquire it at a deflated price. Finally, in July 2010, Couche-Tard extended another bid for the company, which was quickly rejected by Casey's once again.