December 1, 2017
Savannah-based Enmarket Stations, Inc. is expanding its presence in Georgia with the purchase of 35 Clyde’s Market stores, the company announced today.
The company declined to disclose a price, but the acquisition will bring its total store count to 90 locations across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina and includes the purchase of Woodland Oil in Vidalia.
“The addition of Clyde’s team members and locations will greatly enhance our presence in Georgia and will create more density for us in central Georgia,” said Brett Giesick of Enmarket.
“The Clyde’s organization and the Woolard family share many of our core values and ethics, as well as a shared passion for taking care of our customers and team members. Strategically, we believe this is a wonderful addition to our portfolio, and are grateful the Woolard family entrusted us with the business they have worked hard to grow over the years.”
The company will assume operations of Glennville-based Clyde’s today and the additional stores will make Enmarket the 81st largest convenience store operator in the country.
Enmarket continues to target growth through new industry locations and acquisitions and the Clyde’s deal just made sense, Giesick said.
“Clyde’s is a well-run, second generation local company, that is well respected in our industry. We review opportunities frequently, and we believe this one was an excellent fit for us,” he said.
Clyde Woolard founded Clyde’s Market in 1969 when he built his first convenience store on Hwy 301 in Glennville. A few years later, he added a second location in Reidsville, which had the only self-service gasoline island in the area, and launched the beginning of a new era in the convenience store industry.
“My dad, Clyde Woolard, started this company in 1969. Through his vision, hard work and tutelage, it has grown into what it is today. We are very excited about Enmarket’s investment into our company and we are also very appreciative of our customers for 48 years of patronage,” said Greg Woolard.
“At Clyde’s, we feel that Enmarket will be a great fit for our customers and our community. God has been good to us over these many years, and we are excited to see what he has in store for us in the future. Thanks to all who had a hand it making Clyde’s Market a great company.”
Enmarket, founded as Interstate Stations by Robert Demere in 1963, is part of Savannah-based Colonial Group, Inc. Previously known as Enmark, the company launched a rebranding initiative in 2015 to better align with its commitment to fresh food and health.
Giesick said that eventually the Clyde’s locations will be rebranded to match the new Enmarket look.
“We have additional plans to update the locations with more food options and additional product offerings for our customers,” he said.
Posted December 1, 2017 01:00 am
By
Katie Nussbaum
katie.nussbaum@savannahnow.com
