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Sale of non-core petrol forecourt business enables Co-op to focus on core convenience proposition whilst significantly deleveraging and strengthening the Group’s balance sheet.

The Co-operative Group (“Co-op”) has agreed to sell its petrol forecourt business to Asda for an enterprise value of £600 million*.

This transaction includes 129 petrol forecourt sites, spread across the UK and represents   5% of Co-op’s retail estate of 2,564 stores.

With a primary focus on developing further its leading core convenience proposition, the proceeds from the sale of its relatively small non-core petrol forecourt business, will be used to:

  • Reinvest into Co-op’s leading core convenience business centred around its retail estate, as well as its growing wholesale, franchise and e-commerce operations, including new convenience stores in the heart of more communities
  • Invest in Co-op’s pricing, store operations, technology, and logistics
  • Support the reduction of Co-op’s net debt

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Chief Executive at the Co-op comments: “This transaction is in line with our strategy to move away from operating petrol forecourts and supports our vision of Co-operating for a fairer world while building our core leading convenience business.

I would like to thank our incredible colleagues in these stores, and we will work closely with Asda to ensure a smooth transition.”

The transaction is due to complete in Q4 2022.

*An enterprise value of approximately £600m, which will include a cash consideration of £438m and is also inclusive of IFRS 16 lease liabilities of approximately £162m. Final amount to be confirmed on completion.

Rothschild & Co acted as financial advisors to the Co-op, with Addleshaw Goddard acting as principal legal advisors. 

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