Jewel to sell all 27 of its gas stations

SuperValu Inc., parent of Itasca-based Jewel-Osco, said Thursday it will sell 107 fuel centers, including 27 in Chicago and the suburbs that would affect 190 workers.

The transactions include the majority of fuel centers within the Albertsons, Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s and Jewel-Osco banners in the Midwest and West Coast regions.

Couche-Tard/Circle K will purchase 27 Jewel-Osco fuel centers in Chicago and the suburbs, affecting about 190 workers.

“It is our understanding that the purchasing companies intend to continue operating all of the acquired locations,” said Jewel-Osco spokeswoman Karen May. “In some instances, the purchaser is open to interviewing associates for positions in their current store or for potential transfers to other stores operated by that company. Affected associates can also apply for open positions at Jewel-Osco.”

The sales, expected to be finalized this fall, will allow SuperValu to create the capital that the company can use to further strengthen its business, the company said.

“We are continually reviewing all areas of our business to identify opportunities to strengthen our market position, reduce costs or generate capital that can be reinvested into the business,” Pete Van Helden, executive vice president, retail operations, said in a statement.

“These transactions help us further execute on our transformation plan, while also creating an opportunity for us to partner with major fuel retailers to bring broader fuel rewards programs to our customers.”

SuperValu operates a total of 134 fuel centers and will continue to operate 27 fuel centers not involved in these transactions, while continuing to seek potential buyers in the future, the company said.