Why is the FTC making Circle K’s parent company sell gas stations in Ohio?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is requiring Circle K’s parent company to sell gas stations in Ohio and other states to keep fuel prices competitive.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a Canadian company that owns Circle K stores, agreed to buy 270 gas stations from Giant Eagle for $1.57 billion. The FTC said the deal could reduce competition and raise prices, especially in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania.

Circle K is the U.S. convenience store brand operated by Couche-Tard, which runs more than 7,100 stores nationwide. Giant Eagle, based in Pennsylvania, owns grocery stores and fuel outlets under its GetGo brand. The acquisition means Couche-Tard would take over Giant Eagle’s fuel stations, expanding its reach in the Midwest, the FTC said.

To address antitrust concer