Dive Brief:
- Shell has agreed to acquire the retail arm of Brewer Oil Company, which includes 45 convenience stores and fueling stations in New Mexico, according to a Feb. 9 announcement.
- About 450 Brewer employees will join Shell, according to the announcement. The deal is expected to close by the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and closing conditions.
- This will officially mark Shell’s first company-operated convenience stores in New Mexico as the oil giant continues to build its c-store footprint across the U.S.
Dive Insight:
After exiting the company-operated c-store business in 2007, Shell burst back onto the scene when it acquired 248 locations from Texas-based retailer Landmark Industries in 2021. At this time, the oil company said it was committed to growing its retail footprint and creating an “enhanced convenience offering.”
Three years later, its acquisition of Brewer's 45 c-stores underscores the company’s commitment to targeting “opportunities for paced retail growth in key markets,” István Kapitány, executive vice president, Shell Mobility, said in the announcement.
“Brewer’s expansive customer base and desirable locations will deliver immediate value as we strive to meet customers’ evolving needs and provide a premium refueling and retailing experience,” Kapitány said.
Most Brewer stores are located around Albuquerque, Alamogordo and Carlsbad, New Mexico, according to Brewer’s website. Many of its stores offer made-to-order foodservice, featuring items like burritos, sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, pizza and more.
Albuquerque-based Brewer has been a Shell wholesaler since the 1970s, according to the announcement. It also offers Chevron-branded fuel at many of its locations, according to its website. Besides c-stores, the company offers fleet fueling management, fuel delivery, lubricants and car washing services around New Mexico.
Houston-based Shell USA markets fuel at about 14,000 Shell-branded gas stations in 49 states and owns nearly 250 c-stores in the U.S.
