Year in Review: Top M&A Deals of 2015

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — After 2014 was labeled the "year of consolidation," 2015 continued that trend with more major mergers, acquisitions and speculation about what deals would be next.

Florida and the Midwest were hot spots for M&A expansion this year, but savvy retailers looked far and wide for acquisitions that suited their bottom lines.

These are the top 10 M&A headlines of 2015 based on website hits, as reported by CSNews Online:

1. CST Brands to Acquire Flash Foods
Transaction would be largest in Corner Store parent's history.

2. TravelCenters Spending $226M to Acquire 123 C-stores
The six transactions will boost the company's presence to 11 states.

3. 7-Eleven Expands Florida Footprint With 101-Unit Acquisition
Purchase made through subsidiary SEI Fuel Services.

4. Reports: GPM Holding Co. to Acquire 175 Midwest Stores
Purchases are said to involve three separate sellers.

5. 7-Eleven to Take on Tedeschi Food Shops Chain
Acquisition includes 182 c-stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

6. Speedway Converts More Than Half of Acquired Hess Sites
Transformation process moving along at "accelerated pace."

7. CrossAmerica Acquires One Stop Chain
Deal includes 41 company-operated stores and other assets.

8. CST Brands Could Be Takeover Target
Corner Store parent's CrossAmerica deal makes it attractive, says Wells Fargo.

9. M&A 'Feeding Frenzy' Leads Little Store Chain to Sell
TravelCenters of America to buy the 20-store Minnesota chain.

10. Couche-Tard & The Pantry Close Merger Deal
Circle K parent now operates 7,800-plus stores in North America.

Stay tuned to CSNews Online for more 2015 Year in Review recaps.