DALLAS–Energy Transfer Partners has purchasedthe Susser Holdings Corp. in a deal valued at$1.8 billion. The deal, which was announced Mondaymorning by executives of both ETP and Susser, will give ETP 11million SUSP common units as well as the company's retailportfolio, which consists of 630 convenience store locations.

The combination will significantly increase ETP's portfolio,moving it west of the Mississippi River and giving it a very strongpresence in Texas. ETP owns the Sunoco brand.Corpus Cristi, TX-based Susser owns the Stripesbrand, which includes 630 company operated locations, 90 dealeroperated sites and 526 dealer and distributor operated locations.This merger will add 1,246 sites to Sunoco's 5,152 locations.

“It significantly diversifies our retail business,geographically,” said Jamie Welch, group CFO andhead of corporate development for ETE, during the investor call.“We are east of the Mississippi and now we end up with a verystrong platform in Texas and the surrounding states.”