Thursday, Knoxville-based Pilot Travel Centers finished a deal to buy the Flying J truck-stop chain for some $1.8 billion. But to close the deal, the Federal Trade Commission made Pilot sell off 26 stores, saying otherwise the lack of competition could have driven up diesel prices.

The FTC calls Pilot “the largest travel center network in the United States,” and the newly-minted Pilot Flying J claims more than 550 locations and 20,000 workers.

Among the principle interests in the privately held company is Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, who is now seeking the Republican nomination for governor.