Irving, Texas-based 7‑Eleven, the largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry, has entered into an agreement to acquire convenience store chain Speedway from Marathon Petroleum Corp. As part of the agreement, 7‑Eleven will acquire approximately 3,900 Speedway stores located in 35 states, for $21 billion in cash.
“This acquisition is the largest in our company’s history and will allow us to continue to grow and diversify our presence in the U.S., particularly in the Midwest and East Coast,” said Joe DePinto, president and CEO of 7‑Eleven. “By adding these quality locations to our portfolio, 7‑Eleven will have the opportunity to bring convenience to more customers than ever before.”
Strategic and financial rationale
- Accelerates 7‑Eleven’s growth trajectory and diversifies its presence in the U.S.: Speedway and 7‑Eleven have complementary geographic footprints with little overlap. The company currently has more than 9,800 7-Eleven convenience stores in the United States and Canada and with Speedway’s portfolio of approximately 3,900 stores, this acquisition will bring 7‑Eleven’s total number of stores to approximately 14,000 in the U.S. and Canada. Following the transaction, 7‑Eleven will have a presence in 47 of the top 50 most populated metro areas in the U.S.
- Strengthens financial profile to position company for continued success: Speedway has an annual pre-synergy run-rate EBITDA of approximately $1.5 billion prior to the acquisition. 7‑Eleven expects to achieve $475 million to $575 million of run-rate synergies through the third year following closing, while maintaining financial flexibility and a strong balance sheet. Upon closing, 7–Eleven will be even better positioned to continue to pursue profitable growth opportunities.
- Combined store network significantly enhances economies of scale: Upon closing, 7‑Eleven and Speedway will share best practices to deliver products and promotions based upon customer demand and continue both companies’ legacy of innovation. In addition, the combined company will be well-positioned to maximize efficiencies and optimize relationships with vendors and business partners.
- Commitment to ensuring a successful integration: 7‑Eleven plans to form an integration steering committee with representatives from the leadership of both 7–Eleven and Speedway. Brand 7‑Eleven looks forward to welcoming the approximately 40,000 members of the Speedway team into the 7‑Eleven family and integrating best practices of both companies.
- Commitment to environmental stewardship: 7‑Eleven reaffirms and expands the company’s existing commitment to important environmental priorities as a part of its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts. Together, the combined company will set mutual and shared 2027 targets to reduce CO2 emissions, to utilize more ecofriendly packaging and sustainable food supplies and to drive reduction in plastic usage. All of these measures will work together to enhance long-term corporate value.
- Compelling financial impact: On a pro forma basis, the transaction reflects an EBITDA multiple of 7.1x after taking into account expected impacts from the transaction, including $475 million to $575 million of run-rate synergies, $3 billion of tax benefits and $5 billion of net sale leaseback proceeds. The transaction is expected to produce compound annual growth in 7–Eleven’s operating income and EBITDA of over 15 percent through the first three years following the close of the acquisition. 7‑Eleven expects to reduce its debt-to-EBITDA ratio to less than 3.0x within two years following the close of the acquisition.
Closing and advisors
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
Nomura Securities International and Credit Suisse are acting as 7‑Eleven’s financial advisors. Both Nomura and Credit Suisse provided 7‑Eleven’s Board of Directors with a fairness opinion.
Affiliates of Credit Suisse and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) provided committed financing for the acquisition. SMBC and SMBC Nikko also provided financial advisory services to Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. in regard to the financing consideration.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Nishimura & Asahi are providing legal counsel.
