Pilot Travel Centers LLC has confirmed that it has been advised that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period with respect to the purchase of 60 retail travel centers from Williams TravelCenters Inc.

Pilot signed a definitive agreement to purchase the retail outlets from Williams in October 2002. The transaction is expected to close later this month.
The 60 WTC locations are in 15 states, primarily in the Midwest, Southeast and the Southwest regions of the country.
"The addition of the Williams TravelCenters will enhance the current amenities and services we offer our customers," said James A. Haslam III, Pilot Travel president. "We look forward to integrating the Williams locations and team members within the PTC organization."
Pilot Travel Centers is a joint venture owned 50% by Knoxville, Tenn.-based Pilot Corp. and 50% by Findlay, Ohio-based Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC. Pilot Travel Centers, headquartered in Knoxville, operates one of the country’s largest travel center networks with 229 locations in 37 states. The combined operations will have approximately 12,500 employees, 289 locations and operate in 37 states.