COUCHE-TARD expands DC infrastructure in Canada

C-store wholesaler and distributor Core-Mark has announced its intention to open a new distribution facility near Toronto, ON, on February 1, 2008. This new facility will expand Core-Mark’s existing geography in Canada, which currently stretches from British Columbia to western Ontario. Core-Mark services several retail companies in western Canada that also operate in Ontario, including Alimentation Couche-Tard. Core-Mark and Couche-Tard have signed a long-term supply agreement for Couche-Tard’s Central Canada Region, which operates over 600 stores in the province of Ontario. Core-Mark and Couche-Tard recently renewed supply agreements for Couche-Tard’s retail stores in western Canada and the western United States. The Canadian stores operate under the Mac’s banner and the U.S. stores operate under the Circle K banner. Mike Walsh, Core-Mark’s CEO states, “We are thrilled to be able to expand our geography, especially into a region in which we currently enjoy business relationships with several of the leading retailers. I am doubly pleased to further strengthen our business relationship with Alimentation Couche-Tard, clearly one of the most successful and innovative convenience retailers in North America. We are grateful that their confidence in our capabilities and services has made this opportunity a reality.”