Esso opens 300th On the Run convenience store/2900th Tim Hortons location

TORONTO, June 2 -- Today, two of Canada's most recognized and trusted brands - Esso and Tim Hortons - are celebrating the success of a relationship that changed the landscape of retail gasoline outlets.

Four years ago, the companies joined forces to bring Tim Hortons products to Canadian drivers on the move. The companies are marking the milestone with the opening of a new Esso-Tim Hortons location in Markham, north of Toronto. This is Esso's 300th On the Run retail outlet and Tim Hortons' 2900th location.

In 2002, Tim Hortons and Imperial Oil entered a 10-year agreement that would see 300 Esso retail outlets offering the full Tim Hortons menu. The two companies also agreed to align many of their marketing strategies over the course of the deal. The agreement, which elevated Esso's retail food offering, is part of Imperial Oil's move towards more complete consumer convenience.

"Our plan was to reinvent our convenience retail offer to provide simple solutions to life's daily needs and the best overall experience for Canadian drivers," said Simon Smith, vice president, fuels marketing, Imperial Oil. "We feel our alliance with Tim Hortons has allowed us to achieve that goal with a completely new level of service for our customers."

The relationship between Tim Hortons and Imperial Oil began in the early 1990s when Tim Hortons placed coffee kiosks in numerous Esso sites. Today, there are Esso On The Run locations across Canada. Many stores offer a full menu of Tim Hortons products, including home-style soups and sandwiches, as well as the convenience of drive-thrus.

"Tim Hortons is thrilled to celebrate this special occasion with Imperial Oil," said Paul House, president and CEO of Tim Hortons. "Together, we offer convenience, friendly service and quality products for our customers. We are proud to partner with such a well-respected and recognized Canadian brand."

Imperial Oil is Canada's largest gasoline retailer, with about 2,000 Esso retail outlets coast-to-coast. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest coffee and fresh baked goods chain, with more than 2,600 stores across Canada and over 290 locations in the United States.

For further information:

Imperial Oil, Public Affairs, (403) 237-2710

The TDL Group Corp. (Tim Hortons), Jodi Bond, Corporate Communications, (905) 339-5644

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