If you’ve driven through the Midwest or the Mountain West lately, you’ve probably noticed something a bit jarring. That familiar, slightly suggestive, and undeniably iconic "Kum & Go" sign is vanishing. In its place, neon mountain ranges and "Adventure’s First Stop" slogans are popping up. It’s the end of an era for a brand that started in Hampton, Iowa, back in 1959. But behind the nostalgia and the social media memes about the name change lies a massive corporate play. Everyone wants to know the same thing: how much did Maverik buy Kum and Go for, and why did the Krause family decide to walk away from a multi-generational legacy?
The Price Tag Nobody Wanted to Talk About
Let’s get the big number out of the way first. When the deal was officially announced and later closed in 2023, both Maverik (owned by FJ Management) and the Krause Group kept their lips sealed. Corporate press releases are funny that way—they love talking about "synergy" and "shared values," but they usually hide the receipt.
However, industry insiders and financial analysts don't stay quiet for long. While the exact final dollar amount wasn't plastered on a billboard, the acquisition is widely reported to be an estimated $2 billion deal.
$2,000,000,000.
That’s a lot of breakfast pizzas and fountain drinks.
This price tag didn't just cover the 400+ Kum & Go convenience stores scattered across 13 states. It was a package deal. Maverik also picked up Solar Transport, a tank truck carrier and logistics company that was a huge part of the Krause Group’s infrastructure. When you look at the scale—doubling Maverik's footprint to over 800 stores—the $2 billion estimate starts to make a lot of sense.
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Honestly, it's one of the biggest shakeups the convenience store industry has seen in decades. You have to realize that Kum & Go wasn't just some struggling mom-and-pop shop. In 2021, their revenue was reportedly around $2.6 billion. They were a powerhouse. But the Krause family had other things on their mind, specifically a massive $500 million soccer stadium development in downtown Des Moines and their Italian soccer club, Parma Calcio 1913. Selling the "gas station money" was basically the fuel for their next big sports and real estate ventures.
Why the Deal for Kum and Go Actually Happened
Business is rarely just about the highest bidder. It’s about timing. The convenience store (c-store) world is currently in a "get big or get out" phase. Smaller chains are being swallowed by giants like 7-Eleven and Casey’s. Maverik, based out of Salt Lake City, was hungry for expansion. They had dominated the Intermountain West but hadn't really cracked the Midwest.
By buying Kum & Go, Maverik didn't just buy buildings; they bought a ready-made empire.
What Maverik Actually Got for Their Money
It wasn't just about the real estate. Maverik's leadership, led by CEO Chuck Maggelet (and later Crystal Maggelet), saw a mirror image of their own company. Both brands had a cult-like following. Both brands focused heavily on "fresh" food and "premium" experiences compared to the dingy gas stations of the 1990s.
- The Footprint: 400+ stores across states like Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma.
- The Logistics: Solar Transport, which gives Maverik much more control over their fuel supply chain.
- The Talent: Roughly 5,000 employees were part of the transition. Maverik made a big deal about keeping people on board, which is a smart move when you're trying not to alienate a local workforce.
But here is where things got a little messy for the fans. People loved the Kum & Go name. It was weird, it was funny, and it was theirs. When Maverik confirmed they would be retiring the brand and rebranding everything to Maverik, the internet had a minor meltdown.
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The Rebranding Reality Check
By early 2024, the "Maverik-ization" of the Midwest began in earnest. If you live in Utah or Wyoming, you know Maverik is a lifestyle. They have "Bonfire" food, "Nitro" cards, and a heavy emphasis on the great outdoors. Bringing that vibe to Iowa or Missouri was a gamble.
Was it worth the $2 billion?
The early data says yes. Maverik is currently ranked as one of the top convenience store chains in the country for customer loyalty. They aren't just selling gas; they’re selling an "adventure." By unifying under one brand, they save a fortune on marketing and operations. Think about it: you only need one app, one loyalty program, one uniform, and one supply chain for the snacks. It’s boring corporate efficiency, sure, but it’s how you justify a multi-billion dollar price tag.
A Quick Look at the Math
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Sale Price | ~$2 Billion |
| Total Stores Acquired | 400+ |
| Associated Assets | Solar Transport (Logistics) |
| Pre-Sale Revenue (K&G) | $2.6 Billion (2021) |
| Combined Footprint | 800+ Stores in 20+ States |
Wait, I should probably mention that Maverik didn't keep everything. As they integrated the two companies, they actually offloaded a few locations to other players. In 2025, we saw companies like Mega Saver and Casey's picking up former Kum & Go spots that didn't quite fit the Maverik "vibe" or were too close to existing stores. It's like buying a giant Lego set and realized you have a few extra bricks you don't need.
The Human Side: What Happened to the Krause Family?
It’s easy to look at a $2 billion number and think "they won," but for the Krause family, this was a 64-year legacy. Kyle Krause, the CEO at the time of the sale, spoke quite a bit about the "innovation and growth" Maverik could provide. But let's be real: they needed the liquidity.
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The Krause Group is heavily invested in Italy right now. They own a pro soccer team. They are building a massive stadium. They are into high-end wineries. Running 400 gas stations in the American Midwest is a high-volume, low-margin grind. Moving that capital into sports and luxury real estate is a classic move for "old money" families looking to pivot.
What This Means for You at the Pump
So, why should you care about how much did Maverik buy Kum and Go for? Because that $2 billion has to be paid back somehow. Usually, that means a shift in what you see inside the store.
If you were a die-hard fan of the Kum & Go &Rewards program, you've likely already been migrated to the Maverik "Adventure Club." The good news? Maverik is generally considered to have better tech. Their app is cleaner, and their "Nitro" card (which links to your bank account) usually offers a significant discount on fuel—sometimes up to 10 cents or more per gallon.
The downside? If you liked the specific "&Go" kitchen menu, it’s mostly gone. It’s been replaced by Maverik’s "Bonfire" tacos and burritos. Is it better? That's subjective. But it’s definitely different.
Actionable Takeaways for the Transition
If you're still mourning the loss of your local Kum & Go or you're just curious about how to navigate the new Maverik world, here’s the play:
- Download the Maverik App Immediately: If you had points on your old K&G account, there were windows to transfer them. Check if your local store has "transitioned" yet; if it has, your old card is likely a paperweight.
- Look for the Nitro Card: If you’re a high-volume driver, the Nitro card is where the real value is. It’s basically Maverik’s way of avoiding credit card swipe fees, and they pass some of those savings to you.
- Expect More Sales: As Maverik continues to consolidate their 800-store empire through 2026, expect them to sell off "non-core" locations. If your local station suddenly turns into a Casey's or a Mega Saver, don't be surprised. It’s all part of the post-merger cleanup.
The $2 billion deal wasn't just a purchase; it was a total redrawing of the map for American drivers. While the "Kum & Go" name will eventually just be a trivia question or a vintage t-shirt you find at a thrift store, the "Adventure" brand is here to stay. Basically, the mountains won.
If you're still seeing a Kum & Go sign in your town, take a picture now. By the end of this year, they’ll almost certainly be gone, replaced by the orange and black of Maverik. It’s a $2 billion facelift that’s changing the face of the American road trip, one burrito at a time.