Laval (Quebec) Canada - Massy, France - Preliminary discussions, concerned with all stakeholders, had been initiated between Carrefour SA ('Carrefour') (Paris: CA) and Alimentation Couche-Tard inc. ('Couche-Tard') (TSX: ATD.A) (TSX: ATD.B) following a friendly approach by the latter. In view of recent events, these discussions are suspended.

Carrefour and Couche-Tard have however decided to extend their discussions to examine opportunities for operational partnerships. The first areas of cooperation would be: the sharing of good practices in fuel distribution, the development of joint purchases, partnerships on the development and marketing of private labels, the sharing of expertise and the launch of ' innovations to improve the customer experience, and the optimization of product distribution in the regions common to the two groups.

Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of Carrefour, said: 'Building innovative partnerships is a key point in Carrefour's transformation strategy. The promising partnership envisaged with the North American leader Couche-Tard is fully in line with this strategy, which has already enabled us to find a path of profitable growth. '

Brian Hannasch, President and CEO of Couche-Tard, added: 'The operational opportunities with Carrefour will enable us to fulfill our ambition to become a world leader in mass distribution. The areas of cooperation envisaged are aligned with our strategic plan, our commitment to reinforce our core activities such as convenience formats and fuel distribution, and our desire to explore the multiple opportunities in the associated growth areas. '

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