Dive Brief:
- Ridi Stores, an Ohio-based convenience store and car wash company, has acquired Midwest competitor McIntosh Energy Co., the companies announced on Tuesday.
- The deal includes McIntosh’s four retail locations and standalone fleet fueling site in Indiana. Ridi, which has 14 c-stores and five car washes across Ohio and Michigan, will enter Indiana through the deal.
- McIntosh Energy is the latest independent retailer getting out of the c-store business in 2026. Others have included Pops Mart and Blythewood Oil.
Dive Insight:
While bigger retailers like Alimentation Couche-Tard and Casey’s General Stores have undergone expansion by buying out independent operators, the exodus of smaller retailers has also been a boon for regional players looking to scale their presence in new markets. Ridi is no stranger to M&A, having acquired at least one c-store or car wash nearly every year since 2019.
In acquiring McIntosh, Ridi will expand its c-store network to 18 locations across three states. It’s also working on adding a c-store to one of its car wash sites, a company spokesperson said via email.
“Our entry into Indiana reflects Ridi Stores long-term commitment to serving Midwest communities with high quality fuel, fresh food offerings, and a friendly service,” said Loui Ridi, president and CEO of Ridi Stores.
McIntosh Energy was founded in 1953 by Russell McIntosh, who was later succeeded by his son, Ray McIntosh. All its locations are in the Fort Wayne area.
McIntosh’s MacFood Mart locations will be rebranded to Ridi’s “in the near future,” according to the release. Ridi will also take over McIntosh’s bulk fuel delivery operations and Pacific Price fleet card services.
Many Ridi’s stores offer Krispy Krunchy Chicken and Little Caesars and F’real shakes as well as its own proprietary coffee program, according to the company website.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to add additional information about Ridi Stores’ M&A history.
