SQRL Service Stations and Blue Owl Capital announced that the company expects to reopen all 210 former Mountain Express gas stations and convenience stores within the next three months. The company also stated that it intends to fully remodel and rebrand all the locations.

Last year, the Arkansas-based fuel and convenience retailer acquired the former Mountain Express locations, bringing the company’s store count to over 350 stores across 14 states.

At the time of the acquisition, Blake Smith, founder of SQRL, said, “By expanding our network of fuel stations, SQRL will enhance commute or long-distance journeys. Our new stores will be seamlessly integrated into SQRL’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition to service our customers.”

In February, Shell also expanded its retail network with an acquisition. The oil company acquired 45 convenience stores in New Mexico through its acquisition of Brewer Oil Company’s retail division.

This acquisition marks Shell’s entrance into New Mexico’s retail presence. The 45 fuel and convenience stores will join Shell’s company-owned footprint in the United States, where it owns and operates nearly 200 convenience retail sites.

2023 was a major year for c-store mergers and acquisitions. In December, NACS Daily took a look back at the most talked about acquisitions in the c-store industry, including Maverik’s acquisition of Kum & Go and RaceTrac’s purchase of Gulf Oil LLC.