BLACKBURN'S billionaire Issa brothers have sold 63 convenience stores owned by their EG Group's American subsidiary.

EG America has announced an agreement to sell the shops to Casey’s General Stores Inc.

The stores are located in Kentucky and Tennessee, and currently operate under the Minit Mart and Certified Oil banners.

EG America and Casey’s, two of the leading convenience store chains in the United States, anticipate the deal will close later this year, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Casey’s is expected to retain the EG employees at each store.

EG America is cooperating to make their transition as seamless as possible.

It will reduce EG Group's international borrowings.

Zuber Issa, co-founder and co-chief executive of EG Group with his brother. Mohsin, said: “EG Group is pleased to have found a new home for some of our Certified Oil and Minit Mart portfolio.

"This divestment will enable both parties to execute their strategic plans, respectively.

"For EG Group, this divestment also represents another important step in executing our deleveraging strategy.”

Nick Unkovic, President of EG America, said: “We have built a strong and successful business over the years in these Certified Oil and Minit Mart stores "Casey’s is an excellent operator, and we are confident these stores and team members will continue to thrive under their ownership.”

Darren Rebelez, president and chief executive officer at Casey’s, said: “This opportunity is an excellent strategic fit as we look to add locations in Kentucky and Tennessee, which are both within our existing distribution footprint.”