The Kum & Go convenience store chain will sell its Cresco store, as well as one in Decorah and 12 others in Iowa, this June.
    The Iowa-based convenience store chain announced last week that it has retained The Energy Exchange of Chicago to coordinate a sealed bid auction of 21 Kum & Go stores.
    The sealed bid auction will include 12 locations in Iowa, three in South Dakota, two in North Dakota as well as one location in each of the following states – Missouri, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming.
    Kum & Go officials said the company began the process of selling smaller locations and stores outside of the company’s core markets last August in an effort to focus on increasing their number of larger format convenience stores. Officials said Kum & Go is focusing on developing better efficiencies in its infrastructure as well as creating a stronger asset base.
    “Our company is committed to carefully planned, strategic growth leading in the direction of making Kum & Go the No. 1 convenient retailer,” said Kyle J. Krause, Kum & Go president and CEO. “It is our desire to consolidate and strengthen our asset base and offer a consistent brand to our customers in Kum & Go’s core markets. The sale of these properties is a step in the right direction for our company.”
    Bidders may bid on one, some or all of the stores. The bid deadline is June 24. To obtain a list of the available stores, contact The Energy Exchange at 866-906-7499. The Energy Exchange is a commercial real estate firm specializing in the sale of service stations and convenience stores nationwide.
 “These stores are located in smaller cities and towns and present ideal opportunities for individual owner-operators as well as first time operators to purchase profitable convenience stores and run their own business,” said Mark Raccuia, executive vice president of The Energy Exchange.