The winning bidder in the controversial procurement for a highway service plaza concession contract is walking away from lease talks with the state.

“After three months of good faith negotiations, Applegreen and MassDOT have not reached agreement on definitive terms for the redevelopment of 18 motorway service areas in Massachusetts,” Applegreen said in a statement released late Tuesday.

“The open issues have significant implications for the commercial viability of the concession award. These commercial realities have been coupled with costly and continued litigation threats from an opposing bidder that have jeopardized the project’s timeline and financing. In light of these circumstances, Applegreen has terminated ongoing lease discussions.”

Rival bidder Global Partners has vehemently

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