MECHANICSVILLE, Va. -- Fas Mart Convenience Stores Inc., a convenience store chain and petroleum marketer with 169 locations and approximately 30 dealer accounts, has completed the sale of its assets to GPM Investments for approximately $45 million.

The deal for the assets of Fas Mart, which filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in March 2001, was completed earlier this week. The buyer, GPM Investments, is an investment group consisting of two Israeli public companies, Gmul Investments and D.I.G., a subsidiary of Marlaz Financial Group.

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Recent fatalities and a lawsuit might have convenience store retailers wondering whether they can be held liable if they sell a product containing the herbal stimulant ephedra if use of that product in some way contributes to injury or death.

While retailers are likely to avoid being held acountable for any such incident, given the product sales are deemed legal by state and local standards, a growing number are taking steps to ensure they are protected.

FULL STORY