(West Des Moines, Iowa — March 24, 2009) Kum & Go, L.C., one of the nation’s leading convenience store chains, has completed its acquisition of Cody’s Convenience Stores, the company announced today. With this acquisition of 37 stores, Kum & Go is now the largest convenience store operator in southwest Missouri.
 
"The completion of this acquisition represents a significant step for Kum & Go in our strategy to accelerate growth in core markets," said Kyle J. Krause, president and chief executive officer of Kum & Go. "Today, we significantly increased the depth and breadth of our coverage in the southwest Missouri area. We truly believe that southwest Missouri is a great place to expand and bring the latest store conveniences Kum & Go has to offer.”
 
Kum & Go now operates 71 stores in southwest Missouri. Beginning immediately, Kum & Go will begin the store transitions from Cody’s to Kum & Go. The anticipated completion date is April 6th.
Kum & Go prides itself on providing patrons with the ideal customer experience. In 2007, the company was voted No. 1 in customer service out of seven major convenience store chains and earned the national Excellence in Customer Service Outlook Award from Convenience Store/Petroleum (CSP) magazine. Customers can continue to expect friendly and helpful associates, a well-kept store and reasonable prices with this acquisition. “We want Kum & Go to become southwest Missouri’s store of choice for coffee or pop in the morning, gas after work and all the stops in between,” Krause said.
 

About Kum & Go, L.C.

Founded on exceptional customer service, Kum & Go is a pioneer in the convenience store industry. The family-owned company began in 1959 in Hampton, Iowa, and has grown to more than 400 convenience stores in 12 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming and Wisconsin). Thanks to the efforts of its more than 3,600 associates, Kum & Go convenience stores continue to lead the industry in customer service and convenience. In addition to a wide selection of products, Kum & Go provides customers a proprietary mix of products under the well-known Hiland brand name. Other proprietary product offerings include Java Ridge Premium Coffee, Napa Creek and Sea Ridge wines, Go Fresh Market sandwiches, Nuclear energy drinks and Nutri2O nutraceutical waters.
Kum & Go has maintained 50 years of dedicated community commitment, each year returning at least 10 percent of its profits to the communities it serves. Kum & Go is the 5th largest privately-held convenience store chain in the United States. For more information about Kum & Go, visit www.kumandgo.com.