Imperial links up with Sobeys

Article Excerpt

IMPERIAL OIL $37.16 (Toronto symbol IMO; Shares outstanding: 853.9 million; Market cap: $29.8 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Average; Dividend yield: 1.2%; www.imperialoil.ca) has formed a new alliance with Sobeys Inc., which operates over 1,300 grocery stores across Canada. Under the deal, both companies’ customers will be able to earn loyalty points at Imperial’s Esso gas stations and at Sobeys’ supermarkets. Cardholders can then redeem their points for gasoline or groceries. Loyalty programs that offer rebates and other rewards are a good way for retailers to attract more customers. Moreover, joining with Sobeys should increase Esso’s sales. Imperial Oil is a buy. buy…