Daily Archives: September 11, 2016

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Couche-Tard received approval from Canadian Competition Bureau to proceed with the proposed acquisition of certain retail assets of Imperial Oil

Laval, Québec, Canada, 2016-Sep-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (“Couche-Tard”) (TSX: ATD.A / ATD.B) announces that it has received approval today (September 7, 2016) from the Canadian Competition Bureau (the “Bureau”) to proceed with the proposed acquisition of certain retail assets of Imperial Oil (“Imperial”) in the Provinces of Ontario and Québec, which was previously announced on March 8, 2016. Completion of the acquisition is expected to occur in October 2016. It will be financed from Couche-Tard’s available cash and existing credit facilities.

Since the proposed transaction announced in March, Couche-Tard has worked closely with the Bureau with the aim of obtaining approval for the deal. Following the Bureau’s review, Couche-Tard has agreed to divest two retail sites, one in Ontario and one in Québec. The resolution will be registered as a consent agreement with the Competition Tribunal. Until completion of the divestitures in accordance with the consent agreement, one of the sites to be divested and one of the other sites that will be acquired by Couche-Tard will be held and operated separately from Couche-Tard.

In March 2016, Couche-Tard announced an agreement with Imperial to acquire 279 Esso-branded fuel and convenience sites. Of these sites, 229 are located in Ontario – the majority of which are in the Greater Toronto Area – and 50 sites are located in Québec. All of the Québec sites are in the Greater Montréal Area or on the south shore of Montréal. The agreement also includes 13 land banks and 2 dealer sites, as well as a long-term supply agreement for Esso-branded fuel. Of the 279 sites, 238 are owned and 41 are leased.

Subsequent to this transaction and the consent agreement reached with the Bureau, Couche-Tard’s network in Canada will be comprised of 1,719 sites.

“We are very excited to announce this new addition to the Couche-Tard family and to welcome the great people at Imperial to our team”, says Brian Hannasch, President and CEO of Couche-Tard. “The sites we are acquiring are a great strategic fit for our business and combine some of the strongest brands in the country. We view this transaction as a transformative acquisition in Canada.”

Jean Bernier, Couche-Tard’s Group President Global Fuels & North-East Operations, added “We are pleased to have closed this transaction as it represents an outstanding opportunity for growth. The addition of Imperial’s sites allows us to expand our network and reach more fuel customers than ever before. Together with the team at Imperial we looking forward to creating an even greater offer and experience for our customers.

About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Couche-Tard is the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. In the United States, it is the largest independent convenience store operator in terms of number of company-operated stores. In Europe, Couche-Tard is a leader in convenience store and road transportation fuel retail in the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden and Denmark), in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and in Ireland with an important presence in Poland.

As of July 17, 2016, Couche-Tard’s network comprised 7,863 convenience stores throughout North America, including 6,474 stores with road transportation fuel dispensing. Its North American network consists of 15 business units, including 11 in the United States covering 41 states and 4 in Canada covering all 10 provinces. Approximately 80,000 people are employed throughout its network and at its service offices in North America.

In Europe, Couche-Tard operates a broad retail network across Scandinavia, Ireland, Poland, the Baltics States and Russia through ten business units. As of July 17, 2016, Couche-Tard’s network is comprised of 2,708 stores, the majority of which offer road transportation fuel and convenience products while the others are unmanned automated fuel sites which only offer road transportation fuel. Couche-Tard also offers other products, including stationary energy, marine fuel, aviation fuel, lubricants and chemicals. Including employees at its branded franchise stores, approximately 25,000 people work in its retail network, terminals and service offices across Europe.

In addition, under licensing agreements, more than 1,500 stores are operated under the Circle K banner in 13 other countries and territories worldwide (China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guam, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam), which brings the total network to over 12,000 stores.

For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., please visit: http://corpo.couche-tard.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements set forth in this press release, which describe Couche-Tard’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or forecasts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as “will”, “plan”, “evaluate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “expect” and other related expressions are used to identify such statements. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results, or the measures it adopts, could differ materially from those indicated or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular projection. Major factors that may lead to a material difference between Couche-Tard’s actual results and the projections or expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements include the effects of the integration of acquired businesses and the ability to achieve projected synergies, fluctuations in margins on motor fuel sales, competition in the convenience store and retail motor fuel industries, exchange rate variations, and such other risks as described in detail from time to time in documents filed by Couche-Tard with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on information available as of the date of the release.

Contacts:
Investor Relations:
Claude Tessier
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (450) 662-6632, ext. 4407
investor.relations@couche-tard.com

Media Relations:
Karen Romer
Director Global Communications
Tel: (514) 603-4505 / +47 950 74 950
karen.romer@couche-tard.com

Source: Couche-Tard

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Amazon customers can soon pick up their orders at Morrisons with the introduction of Amazon Lockers at the supermarket this year

Bradford, England, 2016-Sep-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Morrisons is to install the UK’s largest collection of Amazon Lockers this year as part of its drive to introduce new popular and useful services in its stores.

  • Morrisons plans to install hundreds of Amazon Lockers at Morrisons supermarkets this year so that customers can pick up their orders without the need to wait in their home.
  • They will be able to pick up their Amazon order while doing their food shop at Morrisons.
    Trevor Strain, Chief Financial Officer of Morrisons, said: “Many busy customers can’t wait at home for their delivery, and we believe the option to pick it up from one of our hundreds of conveniently located supermarkets will be attractive.”
  • The introduction of Amazon Lockers at Morrisons builds on the relationship between the two companies. In May, Morrisons began to supply thousands of grocery items that are now available to Amazon customers through Amazon Fresh in London, Amazon Pantry nationwide and Amazon Prime Now, the company’s ultra-fast delivery service available to more than 30 per cent of the UK population.
  • John Tagawa, Amazon’s Vice President of UK Operations, said: “We are delighted to introduce Amazon Lockers at Morrisons supermarkets. Amazon Lockers are the delivery option of choice for many customers who want to pick up their shopping at a time and place that suits them best. Morrisons supermarkets are ideal locations for Amazon Lockers which allow people to pick up their parcels while on the move.”
  • One of Morrisons’ priorities is to add ‘popular and useful services’ to its stores. Over the last 12 months in-store cafes have been improved and Morrisons has partnered with Timpson to expand its dry cleaning, key cutting and shoe repair business.
  • Customers using the Amazon Lockers will receive an email or text with a unique code. They enter the code or scan the barcode from the email to retrieve their product at the locker.
    There are more than 1,000 Amazon Lockers nationwide in locations ranging from petrol forecourts, convenience stores and shopping centres to universities, train stations, banks and airports.

For all media enquiries call: 0845 611 5111

Source: Morrison

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Co-op reports increase in sales of vodka and gin as shoppers adopt to James Bond-inspired homemade martinis

MANCHESTER, England, 2016-Sep-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — The premium drinks market has been ‘shaken’ and ‘stirred’ by a James Bond-inspired shift to homemade martinis as sales soar of vodka and gin.

The retailer has seen an increase in sales of 42 per cent premium vodka and 41 per cent of premium gin so far this year as shoppers’ trade up to recreate the sophisticated cocktails found in upmarket and exclusive bars across the country.

Grey Goose Vodka and Hendricks Gin topped as the favourite premium spirits, up by 21 and 87 per cent respectively. Espresso Martini ingredients of coffee beans has seen an increase of 5.2 per cent this year, whilst vermouth a staple of the James Bond classic saw a sales increase of 11 per cent this year.

The rise in upmarket bars has led to Brits to wanting to adopt this sophisticated way of drinking at home and become amateur mixologists in order to recreate the expensive cocktails found on the menus.

And rather than dress up for the occasion, customers are purchasing the spirits and turning to social media to post about their #Greygoose #Martini creations from the comfort of their homes, with 4,050 posts appearing each month.

Co-op’s Spirit buyer, Sarah-Jane Wilson, said:
“Super premium spirit brands are now a kitchen cupboard staple for Brits looking to create their own impressive bar at home and we are anticipating sales will continue to grow.”

For any non-media enquiries please contact our main switchboard on 0161 834 1212. If you’re a customer with an enquiry, please call 0800 068 6727

Source: Coop

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Avon Foundation funded study explores breast cancer prevalence and mortality rates among U.S. Hispanics and Hispanic subgroups

MIAMI, FLA., 2016-Sep-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (SEPTEMBER 8, 2016), at the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade’s biennial Breast Cancer Forum, healthcare providers, breast cancer survivors, and leading care advocates from across the nation gathered for the release of the new Avon Foundation funded study: Breast Cancer Among Hispanic Subgroups in the U.S., which was conducted by Sinai Urban Health Institute.

The study is the first and most comprehensive study of its kind to explore breast cancer prevalence and mortality rates among U.S. Hispanics and Hispanic subgroups. The study revealed that breast cancer mortality rates differ for Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Central and South American women with breast cancer in the U.S.

Puerto Rican women (19.04 per 100,000 women) and Mexican women (18.78) have the highest breast cancer mortality rates of all Hispanic women with breast cancer in the U.S. Central and South American women in the U.S. were found to be significantly less likely to die from breast cancer than other Hispanic subgroups observed (10.15 per 100,000 women).

“Understanding where the greatest needs are in improving the lives of women with breast cancer is a fundamental first step to bringing about change in how this disease is addressed, particularly in the Hispanic community,” said Cheryl Heinonen, President of the Avon Foundation for Women. “As the company for women, Avon is committed to taking actions that matter most to women and that is why the Avon Foundation is passionate about funding studies like this. We want to identify where the disparities lie so we can effectively shape and support programs that will have the greatest impact.”

At the briefing, remarks from a diverse panel of guests were featured, including: Cheryl Heinonen, Bijou R. Hunt, the author of the Avon Foundation funded study from the Sinai Urban Health Institute at Sinai Health System, Jenny Saldaña, who serves as an Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Patient Navigator at New-York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and Paola Giorello, a breast cancer survivor who benefited from the Avon Foundation-funded Patient Navigator program at Nueva Vida Inc. in Alexandria, Va.

“What this research has uncovered has the potential to greatly improve individualization of care for Hispanic women with breast cancer,” said Bijou R. Hunt of the Sinai Urban Health Institute. “When healthcare providers begin to view the highly diverse population of Hispanic women as many unique groups – taking into account the ethnic identities, beliefs and cultures that could impact how they experience this disease – providers can better tailor their interventions and be even more culturally sensitive.”

Through the use of multiple national data sources and multiple years of data, the analysis in the Avon Foundation funded study: Breast Cancer Among Hispanic Subgroups in the U.S., presents data on

Hispanic subgroups that are not often accessible. More research is needed to understand why the disparities in mortality rates for various Hispanic subgroups exist. A wide number of factors including genetic traits, and differences in diet and lifestyle that may vary by culture could have a role to play in these variances; but more exploration is needed for these to be determined.

There are 56.6 million people of Hispanic origin in the U.S., making them the largest racial/ethnic minority in the country1. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Hispanic women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death for this group2. This research is a promising step toward better understanding and addressing this group’s diverse health needs.

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade which launched in 1992, has placed Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer. Today, Avon is the leading corporate supporter of the cause globally, donating more than $800 million to breast cancer programs for research and advancing access to care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

Sources:

[1] U.S. Census Bureau. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population by Sex, Age, Race, and Hispanic Origin for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015.

2 Society. AC. Center Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos 2015-2017. In. Atlanta: 2015.

About the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has been working to improve breast cancer outcomes and reduce disparities in survival rates. The Crusade’s strategic grant making reflects: a holistic and place-based approach in high-need areas throughout the United States; a commitment to enabling access to medical advances and support services for breast cancer patients, particularly those from vulnerable populations; and a commitment to investing in research on the prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of breast cancer. In the U.S., Avon Breast Cancer Crusade manages the Avon Foundation for Women’s breast cancer programs. The Avon Foundation for Women partners with affiliate Avon Foundations and Avon markets around the world for additional programming. In total, Avon and the Foundation have contributed more than $800 million to breast cancer programs around the world through 2015. To learn more, visit: www.avonfoundation.org.

About Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women 
Avon is a global corporate leader in philanthropy focused on causes that matter most to women. Through 2015, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have contributed over $1 billion in over 50 countries. Avon’s funding is focused on breast cancer research and advancing access to quality care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. The company’s global markets sell special products to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer and domestic violence, conduct hundreds of events for these causes, and educate women around the world through its global network of nearly six million Avon Representatives.

CONTACT:

Kate Yee
251-406-0920
Kate.yee@finnpartners.com

Source: AVON

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Trappist Westvleteren 12 brewed by the Saint Sixtus monks in Belgium can now be ordered online at westvleterenbeers.com

Trappist Westvleteren 12 brewed by the Saint Sixtus monks in Belgium can now be ordered online at westvleterenbeers.com

Trappist Westvleteren 12 brewed by the Saint Sixtus monks in Belgium can now be ordered online at westvleterenbeers.com

Westvleteren, Belgium, 2016-Sep-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Trappist Westvleteren 12, brewed by the Saint Sixtus monks in Belgium, has been rated as the best beer in the world in 2014 and 2015 by Ratebeer and Beeradvocate. Until recently, the beer was only for sale at the Abbey or in the nearby café “In de Vrede.” Recently, Westvleteren has launched a website where customers can buy Westvleteren online. The beer will be delivered worldwide by courier. This is an opportunity to get some six packs, cases, glasses or gift packs from the different Westvleteren beers.

Founded in 1883 by Belgian Trappist monks, Westvleteren 12 is considered to be the world’s best beer. Awarded twice, this Trappist beer with creamy aromas has been the holy grail among beer lovers all around the world.

Trappist Westvleteren 12
Of all Trappist beer breweries, the Saint Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren applies in the strictest rules. The Trappist monks only produce enough beer to continue their life as monks and not to make money out of this business. This is their tradition since the first bottle of Westvleteren was made.

Westvleteren 12 is very hard to find. The Trappist monks produce their beer in very limited numbers (about 2 crates a day). Westvleteren 12 and Westvleteren 8 are extremely rare beers, wanted by about every beer enthusiast in the world. Now people from around the world are able to buy Westvleteren 12 and try it, previously the beer was only to be sold from their brewery. Until now!

Westvleteren 12 for sale
Now that the monastery requires new structural maintenance, doors, windows, roof and etc. they have allowed sales in Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States.

So today, all people can order online from now on, visit us at http://www.westvleterenbeers.com and keep in mind that the number of beers is still limited, but customers can enjoy the convenience of not going to Belgium and order the beer from home. The Trappist monks make two other kinds of beer: Westvleteren blond beer and Westvleteren 8. Both are excellent and can be also bought online.

Contact-Details: Westvleterenbeers, info@westvleterenbeers.com, http://www.westvleterenbeers.com/

SOURCE: EPR Network