Alimentation Couche-Tard has acquired Żabka Group for $8.7 billion, a transaction that transfers ownership of Poland’s largest convenience store operator to the Canadian retail giant. The deal, which was finalized after regulatory approval, positions Couche-Tard to expand its European footprint through Żabka’s extensive network of more than 12,000 franchise stores and autonomous Żabka Nano outlets.
Żabka Group, headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since October 2024, operates as a modern convenience ecosystem. Beyond its core Polish retail business, the group includes Maczfit, a meal delivery service, Dietly, a meal plan marketplace, and eGrocery platforms Jush and delio. In 2024, Żabka entered Romania through the acquisition of the DRIM retail network, adding over 200 Froo convenience stores. Its logistics backbone in Poland comprises eight distribution centers, 19 cross-docking hubs, and dedicated dark store and dark kitchen facilities.
For Couche-Tard, which operates convenience stores across North America and Europe, the acquisition provides immediate scale in Central and Eastern Europe. Żabka’s franchise model and digital services-spanning meal delivery, meal planning, and online grocery-offer Couche-Tard new capabilities in technology-driven retail. The purchase price reflects Żabka’s revenue base and growth trajectory, though Couche-Tard has not disclosed specific integration plans.
The transaction is expected to combine Couche-Tard’s procurement and operational expertise with Żabka’s local market knowledge and digital infrastructure. Couche-Tard gains access to Żabka’s established franchise network and its logistics assets, which could support further expansion in the region. Żabka’s existing management team is anticipated to remain in place to oversee day-to-day operations.
The combined entity will operate over 20,000 stores across multiple countries, with Couche-Tard’s global supply chain potentially lowering costs for Żabka’s franchisees. The deal also gives Couche-Tard a platform to test its own digital initiatives in a market where Żabka has already built consumer-facing technology. Integration efforts will likely focus on harmonizing back-office systems while preserving Żabka’s brand identity and local operational autonomy.