Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J finalize merger

Pilot Travel Centers LLC and Flying J Inc., have announced the completion of the merger of the two companies, creating an expanded network of more than 550 interstate travel centers and travel plazas.

The new company, to be called Pilot Flying J, now operates in 43 states and six Canadian provinces and employs more than 20,000 people. It is one of the top 10 privately held companies in the U.S.

“We are now one great company, two great brands,” said Jimmy Haslam, Pilot Flying J president and CEO. “Our new organization is a combination of two of the best-known brands in the travel center industry, both with strong family histories and shared values.

“So whether you are a professional driver, a trucking company, a business traveler, a family on vacation, or a nearby resident, our new company is ready to serve your interstate fueling, dining or other consumer needs. We look forward to a bright future as our customers’ preferred stop for highway hospitality.”

“The merger is a historic moment in our industry,” said Crystal Call Maggelet, chairman of the board of Flying J. “It will be exciting to see our more than 550 locations come together, providing a complete North American network of travel centers. Our customers will benefit through new and expanded services. Outstanding customer service will continue to be a top priority at the new company.”

The Federal Trade Commission terminated the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, on June 30, and the combination becomes effective July 1. In July 2009, Pilot and Flying J announced a preliminary agreement to merge the respective travel center operations.

Customers will begin to see the Pilot and Flying J brands on signage at the interstate facilities. Pilot has begun to accept the TCH card, and Flying J has begun to accept Comdata cards. This change gives the trucking community many more options of where to fuel that are not dependent on the card they carry.

Others plans call for enhanced restaurant offerings with national brands in all locations. Brand additions to Flying J locations in the new network include Denny’s, Subway and Pizza Hut. In addition, there will be upgrades to drivers’ lounges, new gasoline and diesel pumps, enhanced showers and remodeled restrooms at many locations.

Pilot Flying J is selling 26 locations to Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores as required by the Federal Trade Commission as a condition for the merger.

Pilot Flying J is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and has more than 550 locations in North America. The company employs more than 20,000 people and is the largest retail operator of travel centers in North America. n