Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank. Since 1988, Matrix has provided merger & acquisition and financial advisory services to privately-held, private-equity owned and publicly traded companies.
Situation
Circle K Stores Inc., wholly owned by Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. (TSX: ATD.A, ATD.B), operated a portfolio of 49 stores in and around the Oklahoma City metro area.
The Company sought a complete strategic exit from this market as part of its network optimization initiative, which would allow it to focus on core markets and efficiently allocate capital investment in regions that meet the Company’s strategic and brand objectives.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of the Oklahoma City assets.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Circle K, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: CASY) was ultimately selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the asset purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with Casey’s closed in June 2021.
Situation
Toms Sierra Company, Inc. (“Sierra” or the “Company”) operated a leading petroleum marketing and convenience retail chain outside of Sacramento, California. The Company’s stores operated under the Sierra Express brand name, which pays homage to their location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
After initially presenting the Company’s board of directors with a general market and valuation update of the downstream energy and convenience retail sector in 2017, Matrix continued to brief Sierra on market dynamics and Matrix’s continuous activity within the sector.
After Matrix’s thorough analysis of the business, Matrix met with the Board to discuss the likely valuation range for the assets and a potential sale process. Sierra’s Board decided it was time to sell the Company to provide liquidity to the Company’s majority shareholder.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow Sierra’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of the Company.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Sierra, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and 7-Eleven, Inc. was ultimately selected as the acquirer. As part of the transaction with 7-Eleven, Sierra’s fee simple real estate interest at certain properties was simultaneously sold to an institutional real estate investment trust (REIT) that entered into a long-term lease agreement with 7-Eleven.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the asset purchase agreements with 7-Eleven and the REIT and the negotiation of the lease agreement between 7-Eleven and the REIT. Additionally, Matrix coordinated the due diligence and closing processes. The transactions with 7-Eleven and the REIT closed in June 2021.
Situation
Van Unen/Miersma Propane, Inc. (“VMP” or the “Company”), headquartered in Ripon, California, is one of the Central Valley’s largest suppliers of propane, serving over 11,500 customers across 15 counties.
VMP was founded in 1993 by Rick Van Unen, Marion Miersma, and Jeff Van Groningen with the purchase of two bobtails, 300 tanks, and not one customer. The Company grew at an exponential rate through organic growth, as well as the acquisitions of Sierra Propane (2000) and the assets of Hurts Propane (2006, rebranded as Windmill Propane).
The Company developed into one of California’s premier propane retailers with eight bulk plants, three trade names, and a diverse customer base of agricultural, commercial, residential, and wholesale customers.
Matrix was retained to perform a valuation of the Company and to advise on a sale process. Ultimately, the shareholders decided to sell the business to diversify their wealth and focus on other ventures.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process in a way that would allow the shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of the Company.
Solution
Matrix provided VMP with merger and acquisition advisory services, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The sale process included a buyer pool of privately owned, regional and national propane marketers, large, public companies, and private equity firms.
Multiple competitive offers were received for VMP, and Energy Distribution Partners, LLC (“EDP”) was selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the asset purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with EDP closed in May 2021.
Situation
Walker Magnetics Group, Inc., headquartered in Windsor, CT, is a globally recognized manufacturer of highly engineered industrial magnetic products.
The Company was founded in 1896 in Worcester, MA and has grown over the past century through a mix of acquisitions, product innovations, and share gains with its loyal customer base.
In 2011, the Company partnered with Alliance Holdings, Inc. and currently operates out of two locations in Columbus, OH and Windsor, CT. The business has served thousands of customers across the heavy lift, workholding, separation, scrap, standard lift, and repair markets.
Objective
Matrix was retained by Alliance Holdings, Inc. to facilitate a full divestiture of the Walker Magnetics Group, Inc. business from its parent company, The Spencer Turbine Company.
Solution
Matrix tailored a process that streamlined the complexities involved with a typical carve-out situation and identified several interested parties that submitted bids.
Successfully negotiated with a private equity backed strategic buyer, Industrial Magnetics, Inc., to acquire substantially all the assets of Walker Magnetics Group, Inc. and quickly extract the Windsor location from The Spencer Turbine Company’s facility.
Matrix provided guidance and insight for the executed Transition Services Agreement that allowed Alliance Holdings, Inc. to receive additional cash flows post-closing.
Situation
ASAP Expediting & Logistics, LLC (“ASAP”) is an asset-light, third-party logistics business that specializes in expedited freight solutions for customers requiring reliable, time-critical shipping services in the United States and internationally.
ASAP was founded in 2008 in Columbia, SC by Garland Hobgood, who was the sole operator at the time. The Company has since grown into a widely respected family business that serves thousands of customers across the aerospace, industrial, automotive, food and beverage markets.
Driven by its impressive market reputation, customer service focus, and enviable 40%+ profit margins, the Company received inbound interest from several eager transportation and logistics acquirers that ultimately led to the owners seeking a dedicated transaction advisor.
Objective
In an effort to propel ASAP through the next phase of growth, Matrix was retained to conduct a broad sale process and identify the ideal acquirer, with a particular interest in partnership and the ability to maintain active operating roles to help the business realize its full potential.
Solution
Matrix launched a broad process to roughly 700 potential suitors and closed the transaction at premium valuation above client expectations in five months.
Multiple reputable finalist acquirers conducted complete financial diligence pre-exclusivity, which eliminated potential purchase price adjustments and allowed for an expedited closing three weeks from signing a letter of intent.
Matrix coordinated the creative transfer of business data to a broad buyer universe in order to preserve confidentiality and ASAP’s competitive advantage in a highly fragmented market.
Situation
R.M. Parks, Inc. (RM Parks or the “Company”) was founded in 1969 when R.M. Parks sold his family’s ranch and purchased a small Texaco distributorship that sold fuel to 12 Texaco stations and approximately 35 agricultural accounts.
R.M., along with Tim Callison, President & CEO, expanded the business to sell gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, lubricants, and automotive products. Tim and his son Jason Callison, Chief Operating Officer, further expanded the business in 1996 with the addition of the Shell brand and quickly became one of the largest Shell wholesalers on the West Coast. The Company supplied more than 160 Shell, Philips, Valero, Sinclair and Spirit branded customers, as well as unbranded fuel to a sizable non-contract customer base with its proprietary transportation fleet.
In 2018, the Company expanded wholesale operations into Mexico where it became the exclusive distributor of two major U.S. brands.
Matrix was engaged to perform a valuation of the Company and advise on a sale process. Tim Callison and his family ultimately decided to divest RM Parks’ U.S. petroleum distribution business to diversify family wealth and focus on Mexican operations.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow the Callison Family to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of their U.S. wholesale petroleum distribution business.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to RM Parks, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and PacWest Energy, LLC (a joint venture between Jackson Energy and Shell Oil Products US) was ultimately selected as the acquirer. Valero Energy Corporation exercised its right of first refusal on the Company’s Valero branded assets.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with PacWest closed in December 2020 and Valero closed in February of 2021.
Situation
Pester Marketing Company (“Pester” or the “Company”) was acquired by the current shareholder group in May of 2016 as a spin-off from World Fuel Services Corporation (NYSE: INT).
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Pester is one of the largest operators of convenience stores in the Front Range corridor with stores that span Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Nebraska.
Following a series of acquisitions, Pester more than doubled its store count to 106 locations in less than three years.
As the ownership group contemplated exiting the investment, Matrix was contacted to discuss strategic planning and provide valuation services. Ultimately, the shareholders decided it was an opportune time to take Pester to market.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of Pester or its assets and to minimize post-closing liabilities to the seller by way of representation and warranty insurance, as well as pollution legal liability insurance.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Pester, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and CF H33 LLC, a new joint venture between Fortress Investment Group LLC, a leading global investment manager, and a subsidiary of Phillips 66 Company (NYSE: PSX), was ultimately selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the asset purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with CF H33 LLC closed in January 2021.
Situation
Penn Tank Lines, Inc. (“Penn Tank Lines”) approached Matrix during the second quarter of 2020 regarding a potential acquisition of Stardust Transportation, LLC (“Stardust”), a leading aviation gasoline and jet fuel transportation company based in Fishers, Indiana.
Over the last two decades, under the leadership of Tom Harris, Stardust has grown into one of the largest and most reliable specialty fuel transportation providers in the country. Stardust serves primarily airline, airport, and government customers throughout the Midwest, Texas, and Florida.
Penn Tank Lines targeted the acquisition of Stardust to leverage their bulk petroleum and flatbed transportation business and diversify further into aviation fuels transportation in existing and new markets.
Objective
Matrix was engaged to advise Penn Tank Lines on the valuation of the acquisition opportunity, assist in the development of operating and financial assumptions, provide guidance on the structure and terms of the offer, negotiate the asset purchase agreement, and to assist Penn Tank Lines with securing debt financing for the transaction.
Solution
Matrix developed a comprehensive financial model to evaluate the acquisition and to analyze the projected post-acquisition performance of the consolidated company. The financial model included several unique scenarios that allowed for different operating and financial assumption sets to be utilized in order for Penn Tank Lines to easily perform sensitivity analyses and to estimate returns on debt and equity for the acquisition, which was especially important due to the uncertainty around the recovery of the aviation fuels market from COVID-19 impacts
Penn Tank Lines closed on the successful acquisition of Stardust in December 2020 and was able to secure attractive financing terms as part of the transaction.
Situation
Tri Gas & Oil Co., Inc. (“Tri Gas & Oil”) approached Matrix during the third quarter of 2020 regarding a potential refined fuels and HVAC services acquisition opportunity, based on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The target supplied refined fuels and provided HVAC services to residential, commercial, industrial, and jobber customers. In aggregate, the target’s refined fuels and HVAC service business served ~5,400 customers.
Tri Gas & Oil targeted the acquisition due to their attractive customer base and geographic location relative to Tri Gas & Oil’s existing operations on the eastern shore of Maryland and Delaware, and to substantially grow its Comfort Plus Services division which specializes in the installation and report of HVAC equipment and indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions.
Objective
Matrix was engaged to advise Tri Gas & Oil on the valuation of the acquisition opportunity, to assist in the development of operating and financial assumptions, to provide guidance on the structure and terms of the offer and asset purchase agreement, and to assist Tri Gas & Oil with securing debt financing for the transaction.
Solution
Matrix developed a comprehensive financial model to evaluate the acquisition and to analyze the projected post-acquisition performance of the consolidated company. The financial model included several unique scenarios that allowed for different operating and financial assumption sets to be utilized in order for Tri Gas & Oil to easily perform sensitivity analyses and to estimate returns on debt and equity for the acquisition.
Matrix assisted in preparing a letter-of intent (LOI) offer for the acquisition opportunity and advised on the terms of the asset purchase agreement.
Matrix developed a presentation outlining the key highlights of the acquisition and the projected performance of the consolidated entity post-closing. Alongside Tri Gas & Oil’s management, Matrix presented the financial model to Tri Gas & Oil’s commercial lender to help secure the senior term debt on the most favorable terms possible.
Tri Gas & Oil closed on the transaction in December 2020.
Situation
New West Oil Company, LLC (“New West” or the “Company”) was founded in Glendale, Arizona, by four former employees of Canyon State Oil Company: Tim Genrich (CEO), Ron Reeves (President), Tom Turley (VP Commercial Sales), and Terry Cooney (CFO).
The Company began as a Valvoline distributor and also developed and grew a strong proprietary brand, Ultra Lubricants. In 2013, the Company created New West Environmental, a division that collects used oil from customers and resells it as burner fuel to asphalt and concrete companies. The addition of New West Environmental allowed the Company to offer its lubricant customers a disposal solution for used oil, filters, and coolant, without the need for a separate vendor.
In 2016, New West expanded into Las Vegas with the Valvoline brand and in 2018 also became one of the largest Petro-Canada distributors in the United States.
Over the course of just nine years, New West grew from a one-brand start-up into a leading multi-brand lubricant, commercial fuel, and environmental service provider in the Southwest.
The owners contacted Matrix in order to understand the value of the business in a potential sale.
After presenting the most likely valuation range and recommended sale process with the owners, Matrix was retained to advise on a potential sale process. Ultimately, the Company decided to pursue a sale that allowed it to retain real estate control of its facilities through a subsequent lease to the buyer post-closing.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow New West’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of the Company. In addition, the owners’ preference was to maintain real estate control of its facilities and secure favorable post-transaction employment agreements with an acquirer for the owners and other employees.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to New West, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction and leasing of the facilities.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and RelaDyne was ultimately selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement, coordinated the due diligence, structured proposed facility lease terms, and managed the closing process.
The transaction with RelaDyne closed in December 2020.
Situation
Stop-N-Go of Madison, Inc. (“Stop-N-Go” or the “Company”) was founded in 1693 by Duane and Olympia Bowman with a focus on operating neighborhood grocery stores. In the 1980s, Stop-N-Go underwent a strategic initiative to transform the portfolio into a convenience store chain with a motor fuels offering.
Under the leadership of Andrew Bowman, President and fourth generation of family ownership, Stop-N-Go continued to grow into one of the leading convenience store brands in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, which primarily marketed BP branded fuels.
The Company operated 36 convenience stores, 26 of which were controlled fee simple.
Matrix was engaged to perform a valuation of the Company and advise on a sale process. The shareholders ultimately decided to exit the retail convenience store and petroleum marketing business to diversify family wealth and focus on other ventures.
The operating companies and real estate holding company were all C-Corporations, and they also owned real properties that were unrelated to the Stop-N-Go business.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of Stop-N-Go or its assets.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Stop-N-Go, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Due to client preferences, Kwik Trip, Inc. was approached on a pre-emptive basis, although Matrix was prepared to launch a broader marketing process to a pool of established, credible prospective buyers.
Matrix assisted Stop-N-Go and their tax advisors to understand the tax implications of various transaction scenarios and negotiated the allocation of purchase price with Kwik Trip to maximize after tax proceeds to the shareholders.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with Kwik Trip, Inc. closed in December 2020.
Situation
The Montana Children’s Home and Hospital d/b/a Shodair Children’s Hospital (“Shodair”) is the largest not-for-profit dedicated behavioral healthcare services provider in Helena, MT and served patients from 44 of Montana’s 56 counties in 2019.
Shodair offers a robust continuum of pediatric psychiatric care, including 30 inpatient psychiatric beds for children ages 3-18, a 42-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility, therapeutic group homes, outpatient, day treatment, and school-based services.
In addition, Shodair offers the State’s only comprehensive genetics program.
Objective
As part of its long-term growth strategy, Shodair worked with a team to design a new facility that would be suitable for the organization’s expanded pediatric psychiatric service lines and level of high-quality care. The new facility design includes 82 private rooms and an environment dedicated to safety, hope, and healing.
Shodair hired Matrix to serve as Financial and Municipal Advisor to develop and implement a Plan of Finance to pay for construction of the new hospital facility.
Solution
In assisting Shodair in developing the Plan of Finance, we worked with the Management Team to determine the appropriate level of debt to finance the construction, in addition to analyzing various different potential financing options.
We guided Shodair through the Rating Agency process with Standard & Poor’s and they achieved a BBB- rating with a Stable Outlook.
In conjunction with the working group, we developed a set of financial covenants and manageable continuing disclosure requirements.
Ultimately, through the Montana Facility Finance Authority, Shodair issued $32,735,000 of Series 2020A Bonds on its own credit, in addition to $20,000,000 of Series 2020B Bonds with the support of the Montana Board of Investments.
Overall, Shodair’s all-in cost of capital is 3.41% with a final maturity of 2050.
Situation
Dixie Gas & Oil Corporation (“Dixie” or the “Company”), headquartered in Verona, Virginia, was one of the region’s largest independent suppliers of retail propane, heating oil, commercial fuels, and lubricant products serving over 10,000 customers in 17 counties throughout Virginia and West Virginia.
Originally founded as Dixie Bottle Gas Company in 1946, the Company initially focused on propane cylinder exchange services in the post-World War II housing boom. Over the next three decades, Dixie continued to grow its propane business and significantly expanded its other product offerings. Through a number of acquisitions and organic growth, the Company developed into one of Virginia’s premier propane and commercial fuels retailers with five bulk plants, a propane rail terminal, and four retail offices with appliance showrooms.
Matrix was retained to perform a valuation of the Company and to advise on a sale process, including the possibility of a break-up sale to multiple different buyers. Ultimately, the shareholders decided to sell the business to diversify their wealth and focus on other ventures.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process in a way that would allow the Dixie family to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of Dixie Gas & Oil Corporation.
Solution
Matrix provided Dixie with merger and acquisition advisory services, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The sale process included a buyer pool of privately owned, regional and national propane marketers and refined fuels distributors; large, public companies including MLPs; and a select pool of lubricants-focused distributors. Matrix executed a bifurcated sale process to solicit offers for the entire company as well as each separate division to determine the best path for maximizing value.
Multiple offers were received, including bids for the entire company and bids for only certain divisions. Ultimately, Quarles Petroleum (“Quarles”), who sought to acquire the entire company, was selected as the buyer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the asset purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with Quarles closed in October 2020.
Situation
EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation (“EMC”) decided it was time to explore strategic alternatives for its wholly-owned propane distribution subsidiary, EnergyUnited Propane, LLC (“EUP”). Both EMC and EUP are headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina.
EMC serves ~110,000 electric members in central and western North Carolina, making it the second largest supplier of residential electricity in North Carolina.
EUP is one of the largest propane retailers in its region, serving ~29,000 residential and commercial customers throughout 104 counties in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
In 2000, EMC founded EnergyUnited Propane, LLC through the acquisition of All Star Gas’s North Carolina markets (Durham, Warrenton, Creedmoor, Carthage, Denver, Gastonia, and Hendersonville), as well as the development of greenfield sites in Lexington, Taylorsville, and Madison, North Carolina. EUP acquired the South Carolina markets of All Star Gas (Aiken and Barnwell) in 2001, and Albemarle Propane, based in Camden, NC in 2007. In 2013, EUP purchased Lake Norman Propane.
Objective
Matrix was retained to customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow EMC to realize maximum after-tax value upon the divestment of EUP and redeploy capital into its core, electricity business.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to EMC and EUP, which included valuation advisory, marketing of EUP through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received for EUP, and ThompsonGas, LLC was selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with ThompsonGas closed in September 2020. Post-closing, EMC and ThompsonGas will maintain a coordinated customer marketing effort within EMC’s electric footprint in central and western North Carolina.
Situation
Martin Eagle Oil Company (“Martin Eagle” or the “Company”), founded in 1963 and headquartered in Denton, Texas, was a petroleum marketing, fuels distribution, and fuels transportation company serving customers primarily in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and north central Texas.
The Company marketed both branded and unbranded fuels to an asset base composed of three company-operated stores, 22 consignment accounts, 40 open dealer accounts, and a municipal and commercial fuels supply business. The Company also operated a fuels transportation company, Southwest Transport Co., that was used to primarily deliver fuel to the Martin Eagle controlled or supplied assets.
The Company’s shareholders first engaged Matrix to advise on strategic alternatives in 2015. Matrix provided the shareholders with a market valuation and discussed the primary value drivers for their business. At that time, the shareholders decided to focus on growing and optimizing the business in anticipation of a future sale. In 2018, the shareholders reengaged Matrix to execute a sale process in order to diversify their wealth and pursue other opportunities.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process in a way that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of the Company’s petroleum marketing, fuels distribution, and transportation assets.
Solution
Matrix provided Martin Eagle with merger and acquisition advisory services, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transactions.
Multiple offers were received, and the Company ultimately decided the greatest after-tax proceeds could be achieved through a bifurcated sale process. U.S. Oil, a subsidiary of U.S. Venture, was selected as the acquirer of the municipal and commercial fuels and transportation assets, and an undisclosed buyer acquired the company-operated stores and consignment and dealer accounts.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of two separate asset purchase agreements and coordinated the due diligence processes and the multiple closings. The transaction with U.S. Oil closed in April 2020 and the transaction with the undisclosed buyer closed in September 2020.
Situation
Medical Gas Supply, LLC d.b.a. Bestway Welding Supply (“Bestway”) is a distributor of industrial and specialty gas as well as welding supplies to various end markets in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas.
Since its founding in 2012, Bestway prioritized a customer-centric culture based on quality service and quickly became one of the region’s most respected independent gas suppliers.
Objective
Bestway’s owner, Mr. Ernest “Cotton” Speed, III, retained Matrix to sell 100% of the Company with a goal of maximizing proceeds at close, executing a successful transaction in an expedited timeframe, and positioning the business for future growth.
Impediments
Bestway quickly outgrew the functionality of its operational and financial systems, and the ability to extract meaningful data without a full-time controller on staff was limited.
Located in Houston, TX, Bestway had meaningful exposure to the oil and gas end markets, which deterred many viable buyers due to the potential volatility associated with its customer base.
The world began to experience the macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in conjunction with launching the marketing process, and many buyers required extended due diligence timelines to complete transactions or were sidelined as access to debt capital evaporated.
Solution
Matrix worked diligently with Bestway’s financial consultant to quickly generate a detailed and professional financial snapshot while also adding value by identifying several management adjustments that ultimately increased the Company’s earnings base and eventual purchase price.
Despite the financial and logistical uncertainties caused by COVID-19, Matrix successfully produced nearly 20 bids and proceeded with in-person and virtual management meetings.
Finalists generally exhibited a willingness to close without outside financing secured and under an expedited timeframe. Ultimately, American Welding & Gas, Inc. was chosen and closed approximately three months from Matrix receiving information to produce marketing materials.
Situation
Wadsworth Oil Company of Clanton, Inc. (“Wadsworth” or the “Company”) was founded in Tuskegee, Alabama, by William (Tamp) T. Wadsworth in the late 1920’s as a PAN-AM fuel wholesaler. Jim Wadsworth, Tamp’s son, joined the family business in 1972 after graduating from Auburn University.
In 1977, the Company purchased a small Amoco distributor in Clanton, AL that became Wadsworth Oil Company of Clanton, Inc. In 1979, Wadsworth built its first retail location in Clanton, AL and established its corporate headquarters.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jim led the Company to expand from being primarily a wholesale supplier to a convenience retailer after building six additional retail locations. Throughout the 2000s, the Company continued to build and acquire new stores, while continuously reinvesting in its older stores through remodels and equipment upgrades.
The Company owned & operated convenience stores and truck stops (all branded “The Store”) throughout central Alabama.
Matrix was engaged to perform a valuation of the Company and advise on a sale process. Jim Wadsworth ultimately decided to exit the retail convenience store and petroleum marketing business to retire and diversify family wealth.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow Jim Wadsworth to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of Wadsworth
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Wadsworth, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and Circle K Stores Inc. was ultimately selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with Circle K Stores Inc. closed in August 2020.
Situation
Midwestern Propane Gas Co.’s (“MWP” or the “Company”) predecessor entity was established in 1936 by A.J. and Martha Urban, who opened their first retail heating fuel location in Belleville, Illinois. The entrepreneurs originally sold butane throughout the state, which at the time was a new heating and cooking fuel. During the 1930s and 1940s, as the Company grew and fostered positive relationships with its customers, it eventually transitioned from selling butane to propane in the 1950s.
Darrell Urban, grandson of the original founders and third generation owner, took over operations in 1985. Under Darrell’s leadership, MWP grew both organically and through a series of acquisitions. In total, Darrell and General Manager Ron Brodwater completed four acquisitions from 1995 to 2005. In 2014, Don Urban, Darrell’s brother and 50% partner, sadly passed away. Darrell continued to grow the Company, until his unfortunate passing in 2019, when his wife Susan became the primary shareholder. MWP is now under the leadership of the Company’s President (and former long-time General Manager), Ron Brodwater.
MWP is one of the largest independent propane retailers in its region, serving ~5,000 residential and commercial customers throughout Illinois and Missouri.
The shareholders decided it was time to exit the industry and diversify family wealth.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of MWP.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to MWP, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and ThompsonGas, LLC was ultimately selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with ThompsonGas closed in August 2020.
Situation
Double Quick, Inc. (“Double Quick” or the “Company”) directly operates 48 convenience retailing and petroleum marketing locations, five stand-alone QSR sites, and offers proprietary food service or branded QSR concepts at 34 of its convenience stores.
Double Quick opened its first convenience store in Greenville, MS, in 1983 and soon after opened two additional stores. The following year, Double Quick acquired 16 former “Mr. Quick” stores. The acquisition established Double Quick as a notable player in the Mississippi Delta convenience store market.
Under the leadership of Tom Gresham, President & Partner and Bill McPherson, Partner, the Company established its own proprietary hot food offerings in 1984 which eventually became known as Hot N’ Crispy Chicken & Seafood. Double Quick saw an opportunity in the early 1990s to bring branded fast food to its marketing platform and entered into a partnership with Church’s Chicken. As the partnership with Church’s grew, Double Quick looked for other opportunities to expand its food offerings by also partnering with Krystal restaurants in 1995.
Headquartered in Indianola, Mississippi, Double Quick is the premier convenience retailer and petroleum marketer, as well as a substantial QSR-operator, across its footprint in the Mississippi Delta and Eastern Arkansas.
The shareholders decided it was time to exit the industry to focus on other businesses and diversify family wealth.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of Double Quick.
Solution
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Double Quick, which included valuation advisory, marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction.
Multiple competitive offers were received, and FR Refuel, LLC d/b/a Refuel, a portfolio company of First Reserve, a leading global private equity investment firm exclusively focused on energy, was ultimately selected as the acquirer.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of the purchase agreement and coordinated the due diligence and closing process.
The transaction with Refuel closed in April 2020.
Situation
Martin Eagle Oil Company (“Martin Eagle” or the “Company”), founded in 1963 and headquartered in Denton, Texas, was a petroleum marketing, fuels distribution, and fuels transportation company serving customers primarily in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and north central Texas.
The Company marketed both branded and unbranded fuels to an asset base composed of three company-operated stores, 22 consignment accounts, 40 open dealer accounts, and a municipal and commercial fuels supply business. The Company also operated a fuels transportation company, Southwest Transport Co., that was used to primarily deliver fuel to the Martin Eagle controlled or supplied assets.
The Company’s shareholders first engaged Matrix to advise on strategic alternatives in 2015. Matrix provided the shareholders with a market valuation and discussed the primary value drivers for their business. At that time, the shareholders decided to focus on growing and optimizing the business in anticipation of a future sale. In 2018, the shareholders reengaged Matrix to execute a sale process in order to diversify their wealth and pursue other opportunities.
Objective
To customize, execute, and complete a confidential sale process in a way that would allow the Company’s shareholders to realize maximum after-tax value upon the sale of the Company’s petroleum marketing, fuels distribution, and transportation assets.
Solution
Matrix provided Martin Eagle with merger and acquisition advisory services, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transactions.
Multiple offers were received, and the Company ultimately decided the greatest after-tax proceeds could be achieved through a bifurcated sale process. U.S. Oil, a subsidiary of U.S. Venture, was selected as the acquirer of the municipal and commercial fuels and transportation assets, and an undisclosed buyer acquired the company-operated stores and consignment and dealer accounts.
Matrix assisted in the negotiation of two separate asset purchase agreements and coordinated the due diligence processes and the multiple closings. The transaction with U.S. Oil closed in April 2020 and the transaction with the undisclosed buyer closed in September 2020.
