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Cumberland Farms selling stores in region

Jim Walsh
@jimwalsh_cp

The Cumberland Farms convenience store chain is closing up shop in Delaware.

The Massachusetts-based business has agreed to sell its 27 outlets in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Virginia-based operator Petro Marketing Group.

The sale will bring the layoff of 176 workers, effective April 15, according to a notice filed with the state Department of Labor. Those employees can apply for jobs with PMG, according to Cumberland Farms.

"The company's strategic plan is to continue its operations in the New York, New England and Florida markets," said Cumberland Farms spokesman Derek Beckwith.

The company's site lists four Delaware locations: 752 W. Basin Road, New Castle; 1703 New Castle Ave., New Castle; 1801 Concord Pike, Wilmington; and 698 Naamans Road, Claymont.

A family-owned firm founded in 1957, Cumberland has not disclosed a price for the transaction. The firm describes itself as the eighth-largest independent convenience store operator by units in the U.S., with 570 stores.

A PMG representative did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment. According to its website, the 13-year-old firm operates more than 90 gas and convenience store sites through an affiliate, E&C Enterprises.

"These sites are located across Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland and New Jersey and represent all major gas brands," the PMG website says.