The purchase "is a continuation of our relationship with BP and the strength of working together," Kelly Kroll, director of marketing for Atlas Oil, told CSNews Online. "[The stores] overlay attractively with the current market space logistics and operations."

As reported in a CSNews Online news flash yesterday, the purchase will bring Atlas’ total BP station count in the region to 113, and is scheduled to close in June. Atlas will supply the locations with fuel, and will operate the stores initially, but in the future, may give dealers the opportunity to purchase sites from Atlas or employ another operational model, depending on the location, Kroll said.

The company’s focus on Chicago has come from its acquisitions strategy, which over the past several years has brought its from southwest Michigan to Indiana and farther west, Kroll said.

"There’s clear operational efficiency for transportation and logistics," he said. "Chicago is still a forward moving market space, and we are behaving like most other organizations and we follow the money."

With the completion of this deal, Atlas will manage the supply of nearly 400 retail locations in total throughout the U.S. In addition, Atlas’ annual distribution of BP fuel will top more than 300,000,000 gallons through this acquisition, making it one of BP’s largest distributors, according to the company.

"Atlas Oil Co. has proven to be a great business partner for BP," Sean Daley, vice president Midwest Sales of BP Products North America, said in a statement. "Atlas’ distribution, supply management and operational capabilities have given us considerable confidence and trust in their ability to manage these BP branded retail assets in one of the most important Midwest markets for BP and the ampm franchise offer."

But Atlas’ growth will not stop soon. By 2015, the company has a distribution goal of 5 billion gallons. Meanwhile, it continues its expansion through purchases such as this, which is the third from BP in a year. Previous transactions include 23 sites in September 2008, and 57 sites in January 2009.

"Despite challenging economic conditions nationally and in our home state of Michigan, we continue to meet our growth objectives in the Midwest market," Mike Evans, executive vice president of business development for Atlas Oil, said in a statement. "Each acquisition expands the markets in which we can prospect for new opportunities, and we look forward to being able to further develop our relationship with BP by converting additional locations to the BP brand."

Kroll added: "In general, recessions are bad for everyone’s growth plan, but it does provide some opportunities on the acquisition side, where some costs do go down. When the market is depressed there are bargains to be had."

By Mehgan Belanger

Featuring even more products and services, the new supermarket offers a full-service pharmacy with a convenient drive-up window, and a new Quick Stop fuel and convenience center featuring the latest technology to enable customers to redeem promotional offers right at the pump.

Boasting an expanded meat department offering select cuts of meat with preparation and cooking tips daily; fresh seafood; more than 600 produce items; and a full-service deli offering a complete selection of salads, premium deli meats, a wide variety of domestic and imported cheeses, and a wide to-go assortment of quick and easy hot lunches and dinners. The store also packs a full selection of Spartan brand products; a fresh floral department offering fresh-cut flower bouquets, potted plants and balloons; and energy-efficient lighting and heating equipment, among other eco-friendly features.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spartan Stores’ Glen’s Markets has 34 locations throughout northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, including locations in Munising, Sault Ste. Marie, Traverse City, Petoskey, Cadillac, Cheboygan, West Branch, Gaylord, Midland and Houghton Lake.

source: progressivegrocer.com