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Arko details financing for TravelCenter bid

Richard Collings
Illustration of a giant five dollar bill glowing atop gas station pumps

Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios

Arko, a U.S. convenience store operator, detailed financing for its proposed $92 per share takeover offer for TravelCenters of America.

Why it matters: The announcement Wednesday counters TravelCenters' claim that Arko's offer is not superior to an $86 per share bid by U.K. energy giant BP — in part because TravelCenters was skeptical of Arko's ability to line up financing.

  • TravelCenters cited a high level of execution risk, in its own words, due to "Arko's failure to obtain committed financing" and its "sub-investment grade credit rating."

Details: Arko disclosed a second amendment to its agreement with Blue Owl Capital's Oak Street, in which the PE firm agreed to provide for an additional $1.25 billion of capacity to finance the acquisition of TravelCenters.

  • Arko also pointed to its cash on hand and the availability under existing credit lines.

What they're saying: Arko declined to comment further, while Oak Street did not respond to a comment.

  • TravelCenters also did not respond to a request for comment on Arko's latest disclosure on financing.

Catch up fast: As Axios previously reported, Arko's CEO Arie Kotler said the company had about $1.25 billion in liquidity to apply toward deals.

  • It also has an M&A partnership with Oak Street, where the PE firm acquires the real estate, reducing the amount of capital Arko must front to finance a deal.
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