## Overview of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., commonly known as Couche-Tard, is a Canadian multinational and one of the world’s largest operators of convenience stores[1][4][5]. The company operates nearly 17,000 stores across 29 countries and territories, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia[1][6]. Its retail network is primarily branded as Couche-Tard in Canada, Circle K in the United States and internationally, and features additional banners such as On the Run, Mac’s, and Ingo in various markets[1][4]. Couche-Tard’s stores offer a diverse product mix—including snacks, beverages, groceries, beer and wine, lottery tickets, and fuel—catering to the needs of convenience-focused consumers[3]. ## History and Growth Founded by Alain Bouchard in Quebec in 1980, Couche-Tard began as a small chain of convenience stores in the Canadian province. The company’s name, which translates from French as “sleep-late,” reflects its commitment to serving customers around the clock[1]. Couche-Tard’s growth accelerated through strategic acquisitions, including the absorption of the Provi-Soir/Winks chain (notable for its red, winking owl mascot) in the late 1990s, and the 2003 acquisition of Circle K, which marked its entry into the U.S. market[1]. The company’s expansion has been both organic and through mergers, with recent milestones including the acquisition of all 270 GetGo stores from Giant Eagle in 2025 and a high-profile (though ultimately unsuccessful) bid for Japan’s Seven & I Holdings, operator of the 7-Eleven chain[1]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status Couche-Tard is recognized as the largest convenience store operator in Canada and ranks among the top globally, with a
#couche-tard #7-eleven #retail #acquisition #convenience_store
Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. abandons bid to buy Seven & i Holdings Co. after lack of meaningful engagement. Stalled negotiations and potential impact on convenience store industry.