Spar and Shell Austria GmbH have struck a deal to boost forecourt stores in the country by another 50 by 2013.

This year, around 30 Spar Express forecourt stores will be opened, the first in Vienna, where Spar is looking to expand its market share.

The contract follows successful test sites in Wattens (Tyrol) and Feldkirch (Vorarlberg), where Spar Express forecourt stores have been in operation since the summer of 2011.

Two years ago, Spar Austria entered the forecourt business. Since 2010, 30 forecourt stores in Austria have been opened in cooperation with Doppler Mineralöle GmbH.

Fritz Poppmeier, Spar Austria director of the management board, said: “In Shell we have found a second strong partner with which we are planning to open 50 Spar Express forecourt stores in high-traffic locations in urban areas within the next two years.”