Now Is the Time: Why Today’s Market Is Prime Time for C-Store Exit Planning

Fresh analysis reveals why 2025 is creating an unprecedented window for convenience store owners to prepare — and profit — from a strategic exit.

The convenience store M&A market is entering one of the most strategically important periods in more than a decade. As consolidation accelerates, valuations strengthen, and succession pressures mount, operators who prepare early stand to capture the most favorable outcomes.

Our newest report, authored by Steve Griffin, Partner at Downstream Energy Group, uncovers the evolving market dynamics shaping 2025 — and explains why timing, preparation, and strategy have never mattered more.

Key Highlights From the Report

• 2025 expected to see a resurgence in C-store M&A, particularly in the second half of the year
• Strategic buyers remain the driving force, backed by strong balance sheets and active acquisition pipelines
• Market timing advantages rooted in the financial calendar — including cleaner financials and smoother due diligence
• Generational transition pressures rising, creating more owners considering exit timelines
• Convenience store sales at record highs, making top-performing operators increasingly attractive to buyers
• M&A timelines longer and more complex, making early preparation essential for maximizing valuation

What This Means for Your Business

C-store owners today face a rare alignment of favorable conditions: strong in-store revenue trends, sustained buyer demand, and an industry undergoing rapid consolidation. But they also face increasing complexity — from capital requirements to staffing, succession, and multi-site operational needs.

The report outlines:

• How the typical six-to-nine-month M&A timeline affects exit planning
• Why starting now gives sellers a tax-planning and negotiation advantage
• How market surges impact buyer competition — and why early movers benefit most
• The key phases of preparation, marketing, due diligence, and closing
• Why waiting too long can materially reduce your leverage and valuation

Whether you’re considering an exit within the next 12–18 months or simply evaluating your options, understanding these dynamics is critical.

Get the Complete Report

Download our full analysis to learn how these 2025 trends directly impact convenience store operators — and how you can position yourself for maximum value in a competitive market.

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