A BLACKBURN-based firm has expanded into the US market after a successful $2bn acquisition to buy convenience stores from a major retailer.

The $2.15bn deal has seen fast-growing Euro Garages buy 762 convenience stores from The Kroger Co.

The purchase covers 66 franchise operations, operating in 18 states and employing 11,000 associates under banner names Turkey Hill, Loaf 'N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and Quik Stop.

Euro Garages will establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio and continue to operate stores under the established banner names.

Mohsin Issa, founder and co-CEO, EG Group, described the acquisition as 'momentous'.

He said:“This announcement represents another momentous chapter in the enterprise journey for EG Group.

"We now look forward to working with our exceptional US management team and begin to invest in the network in the coming months.

"Given the spatial spread across the USA, nurturing the right strategic brand partnerships for the respective market regions is going to be an important strategy focus in North America.

"We already have established relationships with many leading US retail brands and consumers want to access convenient locations to fulfil multiple fuel, convenience store and food-to-go missions and stop at those locations that provide excellent welfare to motorists; for example, customers are looking to access a safe retail environment, well-lit sites with ample parking, free wi-fi, internal seating areas and clean washrooms.

"We aim to invest and transform our locations into branded retail destinations and be recognised as an effective US fuel, convenience store and food-to-go retailer. "

Euro Garages, headquartered on Blackburn’s Beehive Trading Park, was founded by brother Mohsin and Zuber Issa in 2001.

The firm started with just a single petrol filling station in Bury and now has 2,600 sites across the United Kingdom, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy,

It has established itself as one of the Britain’s fastest-growing businesses building high-profile partnerships with Subway, Starbucks, Greggs and Burger King.

Their move to the American market marks the latest stage in an incredible 17 years for the company.

The firm has also cemented their place in the Dutch market after it agreed a deal for the acquisition of all shares in a Dutch business which specialises in petrol and convenience retailing.

The deal with NRGValue Retail B.V, will result in the addition of 97 site Esso branded networks in the Netherlands.

Mr Issa added: "I would like to take the opportunity to thank my local team and colleagues from the EG Group, Kroger, suppliers and our professional advisers who have supported us throughout the whole transfer process.”