This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Arko has taken its wholesale fuel distribution business public in an IPO that raised around $200 million, the company announced this week. Arie Kotler, Arko’s president, chairman and CEO, rang the opening bell on Thursday at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City to commence the IPO for Arko Petroleum Corp., which now operates separately from Arko’s c- ...

Core Insights - Arko Petroleum plans to take its wholesale fuel distribution business public, aiming for a cumulative annualized operating income benefit of over $20 million from converting stores to its wholesale segment [3][8] - The IPO will include Arko's wholesale segment, fleet fueling arm, and GPM Petroleum business, which supplies fuel to retail and wholesale sites [4][5] Business Strategy - The company is converting its company-operated convenience stores to a wholesale segment as part of a strategic plan to reduce expenses [8] - Arko has converted 347 sites to its dealerization program and plans to continue this process into 2026 [7] Operational Structure - Post-IPO, Arko's approximately 1,200 remaining company-operated convenience stores will operate as a standalone entity [6][8] - The new company will handle wholesale distribution of motor fuels to nearly all of Arko's retail convenience stores that sell fuel [5]

Core Insights - GPM Investments is shifting its strategy towards a food-focused convenience store model to enhance traffic, profitability, and value proposition in a challenging microeconomic environment [3][6] - The company plans to expand its new store design to an additional 20 to 25 locations following the initial pilot stores [7] Company Strategy - The new store design emphasizes foodservice, moving away from a previous focus on acquisitions to organic growth and improving loyalty programs [3][7] - The Fas Craves program features a variety of grab-and-go food items and beverage offerings, aiming to attract more customers [4][6] Expansion Plans - GPM has opened three pilot stores in the Richmond, Virginia area, with plans for four more by the first half of 2026 [7] - The performance of the opened locations has been positive, leading to plans for further expansion once the initial seven stores are operational [6][7]