Feb 16 Reuters TravelCenters of America Inc said on Thursday it would be acquired by BP Plc for about 1.3 billion in cash, as the British energy giant looks to expand its travel convenience and fuel supply footprint in the United States.

BP has offered 86 per TravelCenters share held, which represents a 74 premium to the stock39;s last close on Wednesday.

The company39;s shares jumped 71 in premarket trading on Thursday.

TravelCenters owns a network of about 281 highway sites across 44 states and offers services including diesel and gasoline fuel, truck maintenance and repair, restaurants, travel stores, and parking.

The services complements BP39;s existing convenience and mobility business and will help in expanding its offers including electric vehicle charging, biofuels, renewable natural gas RNG and later hydrogen, the company said.

On Wednesday, BP announced plans to invest 1 billion in EV charging across U.S. by 2030.

Convenience is one of BP39;s five strategic transition growth engines. By 2030, the Londonlisted aims for around half its annual investment to go into these transition growth engines.

The acquisition of TravelCenters is expected to add to BP39;s EBITDA immediately, growing to around 800 million in 2025, the company said.

Reporting by Arunima Kumar and Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila

Source Reuters