Automated Petroleum & Energy Co. Inc. (APEC), Braden-Fla., a distributor and convenience store operator, which has 246 c-stores in Florida, is selling 78 c-stores in 46 cities across the state.

The store locations, which include 12 in Tampa and at least eight in Pinellas County, will be sold in a sealed bid auction ending July 28.

The Energy Exchange of Chicago and PetroProperties & Finance LLC of Coral Gables will coordinate the auction, according to a press release.

The sale of the stores to "business savvy individuals" is part of APEC's strategy for growth, said Bill McKnight, president of APEC. The company plans to reinvest the capital into purchasing new locations and continuing company growth.

Source: bizjournals.com and MSN