7-Eleven Inc. (Dallas) has purchased White Hen Pantry Inc., the Lombard, Ill.-based convenience store chain. White Hen operates and franchises 206 stores in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, and licenses another 55 in Boston.
With its largest acquisition in 20 years, 7-Eleven brings the total number of stores that it operates, franchises and licenses in North America to more than 7100.
“This acquisition is a strategic fit for 7-Eleven and enhances our market presence in the Chicagoland area,” said 7-Eleven president and ceo Joseph DePinto. “White Hen has a well-earned reputation for quality, service and fresh foods. We plan to incorporate best practices from the White Hen stores and provide our customers with an even better and more convenient shopping experience.”
Both companies have a long history in the Chicago area, with 7-Eleven opening its first store in the Windy City in 1966 and White Hen in 1965. White Hen stores will continue to operate for the near term as they have.
“The c-store business has become increasingly sophisticated and competitive,” said White Hen Pantry president and ceo Brandon Barnholt. “7-Eleven, probably more than anyone, understands what it takes to be successful in this business. I believe this decision will provide great opportunities for the future of our company, our franchisees and our customers.”