Motor Fuel Group has acquired MRH for approximately £1.2bn, creating the UK’s number one forecourt operator in terms of number of sites.

The combined groups will operate more than 930 sites, which are predominantly company-owned and franchisee-operated.

The sites include convenience and food service brands Budgens, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Spar and Subway, as well as the MRH-owned brand, Hursts. Fuel brands include BP, Esso, Jet, Murco, Shell and Texaco.

Alasdair Locke, chairman of MFG, will remain chairman of the combined business. Sir Terry Leahy, former chief executive of Tesco, will continue to serve on the board of directors and chair the executive committee of the board. Sir Terry is also senior advisor to MFG financer Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.

“This is a transformational milestone for both companies that we believe will make us an even stronger partner for fuel brands and retail customers seeking convenient foodservice options,” said  Locke.

“We are excited to welcome the MRH team, who share a commitment to growth and innovation, as we work together to consolidate a highly-fragmented market and continue our expansion of retail offerings across the combined estate.”