Alimentation Couche-Tard

Company adds single-stores to its portfolio as it completes previous transactions.

Last year, most retailers' ability to predict gasoline prices took a holiday. By Election Day 2006, c-store operators saw gasoline retails plummet more than 80 cents a gallon in just three months to a national average of $2.20, their lowest level since Christmas 2005. By Thanksgiving, though, the average had edged back up to $2.24.

The c-store industry is a realtor's dream these days. Given the number of store locations swapping hands almost daily, it seems there's no better time to buy or sell. And while major chains like The Pantry; Circle K parent, Alimentation Couche-Tard; and 7-Eleven Inc., the nation's largest c-store operator, made acquisition headlines in 2006, these companies and others are on the hunt for even bigger store counts this new year.

'Circle K recipe' will be introduced to the sites located in the south Florida region.

The Pantry, Inc. completes eight-store acquisition and is named best managed company in the food market category.

One week after acquiring 24 stores, The Pantry signs on eight more.

Formal investigation is underway concerning the company's 2005 restatement.

Agreement brings acquisitions made in fiscal 2007 to 57.