Żabka Group to Remain Independent Under Couche-Tard Ownership Following Acquisition
Alimentation Couche-Tard, a global leader in convenience retail, has announced plans to acquire Żabka Group S.A., Poland's leading convenience store operator, through a tender offer set to begin in August 2026. The transaction, valued at approximately PLN 32.62 billion (USD 8.6 billion), is expected to close by the end of Q4 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Żabka will continue to operate independently under its existing management team, with its brand and franchise model remaining intact.
Alex Miller, CEO of Couche-Tard, emphasized Żabka's strong financial profile, innovative franchise model, and experienced management as key drivers of the acquisition. He highlighted the strategic alignment between the two companies, noting that Żabka's presence in Central and Eastern Europe complements Couche-Tard's global footprint. The acquisition is projected to generate cost and revenue synergies of approximately USD 250 million within three years post-transaction.
Żabka's Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Tomasz Blicharski, who will assume the role of CEO post-acquisition, confirmed that the Żabka brand will remain a cornerstone of the business. He also outlined plans for continued expansion in Romania, where the company currently operates 250 stores, with rapid growth underway. Future international expansion opportunities will be evaluated at a later stage.
The acquisition will also enhance Couche-Tard's presence in Poland, where it already operates nearly 400 Circle K locations. Combined, the pro forma revenues of Couche-Tard and Żabka are estimated at USD 83.9 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of USD 7.8 billion, excluding synergies. If Couche-Tard secures at least 95% of Żabka's shares, it plans to initiate a squeeze-out process and delist the company from the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Żabka has demonstrated robust growth, opening 778 new stores in Poland and Romania in the first half of 2026, bringing its total network to 13,063 locations. The company aims to open over 1,300 new stores by the end of the year, further solidifying its position as a leader in the convenience retail sector.
Couche-Tard's acquisition of Żabka marks its largest transaction to date, reflecting its commitment to expanding its convenience retail platform in Europe while leveraging Żabka's proven operational model and market expertise.
Relevance to Żabka S.A.: This acquisition underscores Żabka's strong market position, innovative franchise model, and growth potential, aligning with its strategy of leveraging scale, technology, and geographic expansion to drive long-term value.