LAVAL, Quebec -- In a deal intended to strategically enhance its position in the Chicago market, Couche-Tard said yesterday that it expects to enter into an agreement through its wholly owned Circle K subsidiary to create a joint venture with Shell to operate approximately 100 c-stores in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

"These stores are located in the third largest city in the U.S. Strategically, this acquisition would be a complement to our expansion and growth plans for the Midwest Division. In addition to being an excellent fit within our current operating framework, it would also provide a much larger presence and would allow us to more easily target our growth in the greater Chicago metropolitan area," said Darrell Davis of Circle K.

CLOVIS, N.M. -- Conway Oil is suing Couche-Tard for breach of contract and fraud relating to a transaction between the companies four years ago. According to the complaint, Conway Oil's sale of 16 stores in New Mexico to Couche-Tard's Circle K unit in September 2005 included a "contingent amount" provision, which required Circle K to pay Conway additional amounts in each of three 12-month periods after closing during which fuel gross margins exceeded $3,250,000.

Conway Oil sold most of its 24 Winners c-stores to Couche-Tard, and it sold the remaining few stores shortly after the deal with Circle K.

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Road Ranger's decision to sell unbranded gasoline has given it the freedom to grow as fast as it wants, company officials said. More than three years after it stopped selling CITGO gasoline, the chain is back to branding by touting its own "Ranger Fuels" offerings.

Instead of having a contract with a gasoline supplier, Road Ranger is now buying its gasoline directly from refineries. And as the company heads toward 100 locations, it hopes its new proprietary branding will keep business growth brisk even as gasoline sales slump.