Canada-based convenience store operator Couche-Tard has dropped its almost six-month-long pursuit of US convenience chain Casey’s General Stores. Couche-Tard said it had allowed its offer of $38.50 (£24.30) per share to expire - none of Casey’s common stock was purchased and all tendered shares will be returned promptly.

“We have decided not to continue to pursue our offer given the Casey’s board’s repeated refusal to negotiate with us,” said Couche-Tard chief executive Alain Bouchard.