Fuels Market News - Hicks Oils’ Lubricants Sold to Schaeffer Manufacturing Co.

Hicks Oils & Hicksgas, Incorporated sold its Hicks Oils lubricants business to Schaeffer Manufacturing Company. Hicks Oils is a premier independent lubricant blending and packaging business in southern Illinois that produces automotive and industrial lubricants. Schaeffer, founded in 1839 and based in St. Louis, produces and sells a broad range of synthetic motor oils, industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other related products. Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., a leading, independent investment bank, announced that it advised the sale.

Based in Du Quoin, Illinois, Hicks Oils was formed in 1978 by C. W. Hicks as a further expansion of his integrated petroleum operations, with the initial goal of providing products and services to the local coal mining industry. In 1989 upon the passing of Mr. Hicks, his grandsons Todd and Shawn Coady joined the Company and took over running the lubricants business and the family’s multiple other companies. Shawn Coady currently serves as President of the business and Todd as Vice President. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s as markets changed, the business evolved and expanded to include contract packaging, private label, and company branded products. Today, Hicks Oils blends and packages motor oil, hydraulic fluid, gear lubes, transmission fluids and various specialty lubricants for distributors, major oil companies, OEMs, and after-market providers.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to the Company, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by John Underwood, Managing Director; Vance Saunders, CPA, Managing Director; Andrew LoPresti, CPA, CFA, Vice President; Jared de Perio, Analyst.

Dr. Shawn Coady, President of Hicks said, “When I decided to sell the business, I had significant experience with Matrix from various propane market transactions and was confident they were the right company to handle the transaction. Hicks Oils is a unique business, and they did an exceptional job handling the sale. I am very pleased with Schaeffer as the buyer. I believe the strategic and cultural fit of the two companies will provide significant growth opportunities, as well as a great work environment for Hicks’ employees.”

Mr. Underwood added, “We have valued our relationship with Dr. Coady for many years and we were honored when he chose Matrix to sell the Hicks’ lubricants blending and packaging business. We very much appreciate the trust that Shawn placed in the Matrix team and the contributions from him and his operating team during the sales process.”

Bill Scott of Allen & Korkowski & Associates served as legal counsel for Hicks.

View original article here.


LPGas - Ferrellgas purchases Eastern Sierra Propane

Overland Park, Kansas-based Ferrellgas Partners LP has purchased Eastern Sierra Propane, based in Bishop, California.

Founded in 1993 by Tom Sigler and Rudy Forster, Eastern Sierra is a propane retailer serving residential and commercial customers in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

Sigler’s house served initially as company headquarters, and for its propane storage Eastern Sierra used a 12,000-gallon tank at a customer location in exchange for installing vapor meters on its gas dryers. Eastern Sierra expanded to a leased property nearby and installed its first 30,000-gallon tank.

Sigler acquired Forster’s 50 percent ownership and has grown Eastern Sierra alongside his son Jason, who joined in 1998.

“When I decided to sell my business, I researched companies who had the best transaction closing results, and I found that Matrix Capital was the top firm,” Sigler says. “They were helpful by first providing me with a valuation of my business and then finding a buyer who was the best fit for my employees and customers.”

Matrix Capital Markets Group provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Eastern Sierra Propane, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by Sean Dooley, managing director; Spencer Cavalier, co-head of Matrix’s Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; and Nate Wah, senior associate. Stephen Kappos served as legal counsel for Eastern Sierra.

“We very much appreciate the trust that Tom placed in us to advise him on the sale of the company that he and his family worked so hard to build,” Dooley says. “It was a pleasure working with him and the Ferrellgas team on this transaction, and we wish Tom and Jason all the best in their future endeavors.”

Ferrellgas, the nation’s second-largest propane retailer, serves propane customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Its Blue Rhino exchange brand is sold at 60,000 locations nationwide. LP Gas inducted Blue Rhino founder Billy Prim into the LP Gas Hall of Fame during a black-tie dinner last year in Nashville, Tennessee.

View original article here.


Tech and Science News - Matrix Advises on the Sale of Shape LLC

RICHMOND, Va. and BALTIMORE, Md., Jan. 26, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. (“Matrix”), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of Shape LLC (“Shape” or the “Company”) to an undisclosed buyer. Prior to the sale, Shape was owned by funds managed by Gen Cap America, Inc. (“Gen Cap”), a private investment firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

For over half a century, Shape has operated as the premier manufacturer and designer of custom electrical transformer equipment, with its products utilized to regulate output current and ensure constant power across multiple end-uses. From its 40,000 square foot facility in Addison, Illinois, the Company supports the mission-critical needs of its international customer base. Shape’s engineers and management team possess over a century of collective experience and were the architects of the ferroresonant transformer, a power supply that uses nonlinear magnetic properties and a resonant circuit to provide a stable output. This technology is particularly applicable to airport lighting, semiconductors, power supplies, and ultraviolet curing. Shape has become an integral piece of its customers’ supply chains, as evidenced by numerous decades-long relationships. Following the transaction, all three of Shape’s management-owners, Greg Babecki (CEO), Doug Hickey (COO), and David Lanes (CFO), will retain all existing day-to-day responsibilities.

Regarding the transaction, Mr. Babecki commented, “We are excited to have found a partner that both appreciates and complements our Company’s unique offerings. We believe there are numerous benefits to this acquisition for our valued employees, customers, and vendors.” He added, “We are grateful for Gen Cap’s stewardship and partnership over the past nine years and are thrilled for what the next chapter alongside our new partners will bring us.”

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Gen Cap and Shape, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by William O’Flaherty, Managing Director; David Shoulders, Managing Director; and Matt Oldhouser, CPA, Vice President.

Regarding Matrix’s services, Gen Cap Director, James Byrd added, “The Matrix team took a thoughtful and hands-on approach to all aspects of the transaction. At every juncture, they provided us with sound explanations underlying their advice. We believe we achieved the optimal outcome based on their experience and counsel.”

“It was a pleasure to represent Gen Cap on another divestiture from their portfolio. This is yet another example of a successful investment by their talented team,” Mr. O’Flaherty noted. “Shape is a fantastic business managed by exceptional people. I have no doubt that Greg, Doug, and Dave will find success alongside their new partners.”

Edward Burrell, Stuart Campbell, and Thomas Dozeman of Stites & Harbison, PLLC served as legal counsel for Shape. Mark Patterson and Chris Hight of KraftCPAs PLLC provided tax and accounting advisory services to the Company.

View original article here.


LPGas - Parker Oil acquires Bobby Taylor Oil

Parker Oil Co., based in South Hill, Virginia, acquired Bobby Taylor Oil Co. and T&S Transport, based in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Bobby Taylor Oil was founded in August 1963 by Bobby Taylor, and it operated at the time out of Taylor’s home in Fayetteville. During its first years of business, the company sold fuel oil, kerosene and gasoline to its local customer base with one tank wagon. The company added propane and racing fuels to its product mix and further expanded its customer base throughout central North Carolina. Following his father’s retirement in the early 2000s, Johnny Taylor Jr. assumed the role of president and, with his brothers David and Mark, led the company through several decades of continued growth.

Today, the company operates two refined fuels and propane bulk plants in Fayetteville and Elizabethtown, North Carolina, and employs more than 30 associates. It supplies retail propane, commercial refined fuels and racing gas to a diverse customer base of residential and commercial accounts throughout North Carolina.

Parker Oil serves businesses and residences in southern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina with a range of energy-related products and services. It delivers oil, propane and other petroleum products, including renewable biodiesel, and services heating and cooling systems.

Matrix Capital Markets Group provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Bobby Taylor Oil, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by John Duni, vice president; Spencer Cavalier, co-head of Matrix’s Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; and Jared de Perio, analyst.

View original article here.


C-Store Dive - Par Mar Oil acquires 14 c-stores in Ohio

All locations operate under the Red Rover banner formerly owned by Santmyer Companies.

Dive Brief:
Par Mar Oil has acquired 14 convenience stores from convenience and fuel retailer Santmyer Companies, Inc., according to a Monday announcement from Matrix Capital Markets Group, which coordinated the deal.

All 14 locations are based in Ohio and operate under Santmyer’s Red Rover c-store banner. In another part of the deal, Santmyer has sold its branded dealer wholesale business to fuel distributor Countywide Petroleum Company.

For Par Mar, this expands its footprint throughout its home state of Ohio, where it already operates around 60 convenience stores, according to its website.

Dive Insight:
While Par Mar is no stranger to Ohio, many of the Red Rover stores it’s acquiring are located in cities where Par Mar has yet to establish its footprint. Those regions include Marengo, Mount Vernon, Canton, Dalton, Millersburg and Sugarcreek.

Some of the Red Rover stores are located in Wooster, Howard and Dundee, where Par Mar already operates several locations.

Most of the locations allow 24-hour access to both the convenience store and fuel pumps, according to Santmyer’s website. Some offer Santmyer’s own fuel, while others provide gasoline from Exxon Mobil or Marathon Petroleum.

Red Rover convenience stores also offer an in-store deli, featuring hot and cold handmade sandwiches, fruit cups and more.

Santmyer, which was founded in 1952, undertook a strategic review in 2021 to assess its capital allocation and return on investment throughout its business, according to the announcement. The company then decided to solely focus on its commercial fuels, propane and lubricants segments and divest its c-store and branded wholesale division.

“Based on our strategic goals, we decided to divest our convenience retail and branded dealer wholesale businesses to narrow our strategic focus on commercial fuels, propane, lubricants, automated cardlocks and car washes,” Zach Santmyer, president of Santmyer, said in the announcement.

Founded in 1967, Marietta, Ohio-based Par Mar Oil operates about 250 convenience stores across Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland. The retailer also operates several Dairy Queen and Arby’s restaurants, as well as one IHOP location.

View original article here.


CSP Daily News - Coborn’s Sells Franchised C-Stores to Holiday Stationstores

Retailer focusing on growth efforts in grocery channel

Coborn’s Inc. has sold its 14 Holiday franchised fuel and convenience stores to Holiday Stationstores LLC. The deal also includes one site under development.

St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s is a 102-year-old, employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois under the banners Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods.

Coborn’s entered the convenience store business in 1986 with its Little Dukes-branded c-stores and converted 14 locations to Holiday franchised stores in 2006. Coborn’s operates several fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations as well. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s also operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center.

Coborn’s is No. 158 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.

Coborn’s was founded in 1921 by Chester A. Coborn who opened a one-room produce store in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. Chris Coborn, a fourth-generation family member, is the current CEO and Chairman of the Board and his daughter Emily Coborn Wright, vice president of retail support services, and his son Peter Coborn, director of liquor operations, are fifth-generation family members in leaderships roles.

Holiday Stationstores—which Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. acquired in mid-2017—operates about 375 stores and franchisees operate about 150 stores. It is based in Bloomington, Minnesota and has a presence in 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan and Alaska. Laval, Quebec-based Couche-Tard has kept the Holiday brand rather than convert the stores to its otherwise global Circle K brand.

Independent investment bank Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc., Richmond, Virginia, provided merger-and-acquisition (M&A) advisory services to Coborn’s, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process and negotiation of the sale. Spencer Cavalier, co-head of Matrix’s Downstream Energy and Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; John Underwood, managing director; Nate Wah, senior associate; and G. Reilly Erhardt, analyst, managed the transaction.

“This is part of Coborn’s overall strategy to focus our growth efforts on the grocery store market,” said Chris Coborn, CEO of Coborn’s. “Matrix’s efforts have led to the successful sale of our Holiday franchise stores to our long-term franchisor partner, Holiday. The transaction provides continuity to our store employees and customers, as the stores will remain Holiday branded and continue to accept the Coborn’s MORE Rewards program. Matrix did an excellent job at meeting our strategic objectives in the sale.”

“Chris and his team have done a tremendous job growing the Coborn’s family business. The family legacy is incredibly impressive with what they have achieved over the last century since the company’s founding,” Underwood said. “I am very pleased that Matrix was able to contribute to Coborn’s future growth by selling the Holiday franchised stores to allow for more capital deployment for Coborn’s strategic growth initiatives.”

Robert Rosenbaum and Morgan Helme of Dorsey & Whitney LLP served as external legal counsel for Coborn’s Inc.

View original article here.


Convenience Store News - Petroleum Marketing Group Acquires Assets of Phoenix Mart Parent Company

Nine convenience stores and one travel center are part of the transaction.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — An affiliate of Petroleum Marketing Group Inc. (PMG) acquired the assets of Springer Eubank Co. Inc., which include retail and fuels operations.

According to Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc., the transaction is comprised of Springer Eubank's travel center and convenience and gas division (TC&G Division), as well as its delivered fuels and fuel transport divisions.

Springer Eubank dates back to the 1800s when Springer Coal and Eubank Oil began marketing petroleum products in the coastal Carolinas. In 1976, the two companies merged to form Springer Eubank Oil Co. It became Springer Eubank Co. Inc. following its 2004 acquisition by W. Cecil Worsley III, who retained Springer Eubank after selling Worsley Cos., parent of Scotchman Stores, in 2008.

Springer Eubank's TC&G Division is comprised of nine company-operated convenience stores, one travel center, one cardlock, six dealer/agent operated sites and one greenfield landbank site located in the greater Wilmington area, as well as eastern South Carolina. The convenience stores operate under the Phoenix Mart banner, while the travel center is branded Phoenix Travel Center.

The stores market major fuel brands including Amoco, Exxon and Sunoco, and three locations feature the company's proprietary Coastal Fuels gasoline and diesel. Three locations offer quick-service restaurant concepts, including two Subway and one Jimmy Johns eateries.

The delivered fuels segment operates out of the company's bulk plant located near the port of Wilmington and distributes diesel, gasoline and kerosene to a variety of commercial and marine customers. Springer Eubank's fuel transport division supports both the TC&G and delivered fuels divisions, and consists of a fleet of nine transports.

"I have known the Matrix team for many years and was aware of the outstanding reputation that they have in the industry. Their knowledge of the market and skill in executing a highly effective M&A process made them the clear choice when deciding who to hire as an advisor. Matrix was instrumental in achieving my goals for the sale of Springer Eubank," Worsley said.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Springer Eubank, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by David Corbett, director; Spencer Cavalier, cohead of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; John Mickelinc, senior associate; and Alexander Rakos, senior analyst.

"Cecil and the Worsley family have been well respected in the industry for many years. Cecil has built Springer Eubank into one of the leading petroleum marketers in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. We were honored to represent him in the sale of the company as he transitions his focus to his other entrepreneurial ventures," Corbett added.

Stephen Diab, Berry Trice and Lauren Williams of Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC served as legal counsel for Springer Eubank.

PMG has been busy on the M&A front this year. In August, the company entered into an agreement to purchase Mystic Oil Co. Inc. and its affiliates. The deal was its the third major acquisition in less than12 months. In April, it purchased 43 petroleum marketing and convenience retail stores from Li'l Thrift Food Marts Inc., and in November 2022, it took over the convenience store business of Holt Oil Co., precipitating Holt's exit from the channel.

View original article here.


Convenience Store News - Mystic Oil Sells to Petroleum Marketing Group

The transaction expands the company's consignment and wholesale fuels business in New England and New York.

MYSTIC, Conn. — Petroleum Marketing Group Inc. (PMG) entered into an agreement to purchase Mystic Oil Co. Inc. and its affiliates.

This is the third major acquisition by PMG over the last year. In April, it purchased 43 petroleum marketing and convenience retail stores from Li'l Thrift Food Marts Inc., and in November 2022, it took over the convenience store business of Holt Oil Co., precipitating Holt's exit from the channel.

Mystic Oil sells fuels on a consignment and wholesale basis to approximately 150 Gulf, CITGO, ExxonMobil, Shell and unbranded customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Vermont.

The company was founded in 1956 by Aaron Agrin and is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business with deep roots in the Mystic area. During its first few decades, Mystic Oil expanded its fuels offerings by becoming a distributor of fuels brands such as ExxonMobil and Gulf while also developing a chain of company operated convenience stores.

In 2008, Mystic Oil divested its company operated c-store business and transitioned its focus to the wholesale fuels business. Peter Zelken became president of Mystic Oil in 2017 and acquired the company from his father, Scott Zelken, that same year. Since that time, Mystic has grown to become one of the leading fuels distributors in New England, according to the company.

As part of the sale, Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc. provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Mystic Oil, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Cedric Fortemps, co-head of Matrix's downstream energy and convenience retail investment banking group, and Michael Tucker, associate.

"Matrix demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of the downstream petroleum business. They were patient, diplomatic, intelligent and trustworthy," said Peter Zelken. "It's not easy handing the keys to a multigenerational family business to just anyone. My sincere thanks to Cedric Fortemps and Mike Tucker on a job well executed from start to finish."

Otto Konrad and Kaitlin Cottle of Williams Mullen provided legal counsel to Mystic Oil on the transaction.

View original article here.


CSP Daily News - Nouria Energy Acquires H.A. Mapes Inc.

Deal includes 9 Harry's c-stores and numerous dealer sites

Nouria Energy Corp. has acquired the assets of H.A. Mapes Inc., a distributor of fuel and convenience-store operator in Maine.

The acquisition includes 13 “owned series locations” and 9 stores previous branded Harry’s, as well as other dealer locations.

“The Mapes family believes that it is our employees and customers who expanded our 87-year-old business,” said Jonathan Mapes, CEO and owner of H.A. Mapes Inc. “Exiting the essential petroleum business, we are comforted knowing staff, customers and the communities we serve will transition favorably into the like-minded organization of Nouria."

Nouria Energy ranked No. 48 on CSP's 2023 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the country.
Nouria Founder and CEO Tony El-Nemr welcomes Mapes' employees to the Nouria family.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey where our collective talents and expertise will merge to create something truly exceptional for our customers and team members,” he said. "This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Nouria. With this purchase, we continue our mission to grow and deliver more value to our customers and employees. The addition of the Harry's brand of convenience stores (and the dealer locations) further strengthens our position in the Northeast market."

In a simultaneous move, Nouria Energy has strategically arbitrated the purchase of H.A. Mapes’ transportation business by Brown Bear Co. This sale enables Nouria to streamline its operations, maintain strategic focus and leverage core competencies to drive long-term growth, the company said.

"We are excited about this opportunity to expand our retail footprint and diversify our dealer network," said El-Nemr. "While we've had a brief ownership of H.A. Mapes’ Transportation Division, we believe that under the stewardship of Brown Bear Company, the legacy of the brand will continue to flourish."

In business since 1936, H.A. Mapes is based in Springvale, Maine. Investment bank Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc., Richmond, Virginia, advised H.A. Mapes Inc. in the deal. Springfield, Massachusetts-based Brown Bear Co. provides bulk fuel delivery services throughout the Northeast.

Worcester, Massachusetts-based Nouria Energy Corp., founded in 1989, is a family-owned business that operates convenience stores and fuel retailers across New England. Its c-store operations include 175 company-owned locations and a vast dealer network. It also owns and operates almost 60 independent car wash locations in New England under the Golden Nozzle brand.

View original article here.


PlasticsToday - Vital Plastics Sold to Wolverine Capital

The company provides injection molding, assembly, and tooling services to a range of sectors.

Injection molder Vital Plastics has been sold to private investment firm Wolverine Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount.

Headquartered in Baldwin, WI, Vital Plastics provides injection molding, assembly, and tooling services to a range of sectors. The company operates two facilities, manufacturing products such as automotive and window clips, industrial components, and medical parts for a number of Fortune 500 businesses across the United States, according to a news release on the Matrix Capital Markets Group website. (The private investment bank facilitated the transaction through its M&A advisory services to Vital Plastics.)

Over the past decade, leadership of Vital Plastics has transitioned from majority owner Terry Townsend to CEO George Hauser and President and CFO Matthew Fish, noted the news release. Hauser and Fish reportedly helped grow and modernize the company during that period, notably by implementing automation and reporting systems. Fish will continue as the lead of day-to-day operations.

Wolverine Capital's portfolio includes Baytech Plastics, an injection molder based in Midland, ON, and metal fabricator Burkland, located in Goodrich, MI.

“We are pleased to partner with the Wolverine Capital team,” commented Fish. “Of all the groups we interacted with, their team resonated most deeply with us given their straightforward approach and passion for building businesses. We are uniquely aligned in recognizing the attributes that have driven the company’s success: Its loyal employee base and longstanding customer relationships, most of which date back multiple decades. We look forward to our next chapter of growth with Wolverine Capital.”

View original article here.


ABF Journal - Matrix Capital Markets Group Advises BeWell Network on Sale to HER Management

Matrix Capital Markets Group, an independent investment bank, advised BeWell Network on its sale to H.E.R. Management.

BeWell is a residential and outpatient behavioral health provider focused on the treatment of substance use disorder. The company operates in two markets, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point in Orange County, CA and Santa Barbara, CA.

BeWell’s service offerings include detoxification, residential care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for substance use disorder treatment in both Orange County and Santa Barbara, as well as PHP and IOP for primary mental health care treatment in Santa Barbara. To support patients enrolled in BeWell’s outpatient programs, the company also operates sober living homes in each of its two markets. The company is contracted with many of the payors that have a significant presence in Southern California.

Matrix provided M&A advisory services to BeWell, including marketing the transaction, advising on valuation, deal structure and other transaction terms, and ultimately achieving a successful execution. The transaction was managed by Vasanta Pundarika, head of Matrix’s healthcare investment banking group, Casey Van de Walle, director and Barrett Smith, analyst.

“We are happy to have worked with the owners of BeWell Network as their financial advisors on this transaction,” Pundarika said. “Under new ownership, we look forward to seeing BeWell implement an enhanced growth strategy, while continuing to provide high quality care to its patients.”

View original article here.


ABF Journal - Matrix Capital Markets Group Sells Lawn and Garden Division of Antilles Power Depot to Freije Supply

Matrix Capital Markets Group, an independent investment bank, sold the lawn and garden division (Antilles L&G) of Antilles Power Depot (APD) to Freije Supply (Freije Supply). Antilles L&G is a distributor of Stihl, Walker and other brands in the lawn maintenance and equipment marketplace.

Headquartered in Carolina, Puerto Rico, with additional locations in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Maarten, APD is a distributor and service provider of power generation systems, as well as equipment and tools for lawn care.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Antilles L&G and APD, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by David Shoulders, managing director and head of Matrix’s consumer & industrial investment banking group; William O’Flaherty, managing director; Matt Oldhouser, senior associate; and Sahan Pandey, senior analyst.

“We’re thrilled to have assisted the APD team in this important carve-out transaction, allowing them to focus on their core business,” Shoulders said. “We enjoyed working with the company and its exceptional management team and congratulate all parties on this successful outcome.”

“Matrix did an exceptional job navigating this highly complex corporate carve-out,” Jason Hebert, president of APD, said. “I commend their knowledge of these nuanced transactions and am grateful for their assistance. We believe this divestiture creates exceptional value for all parties. The Freije Supply team is acquiring a complementary business with exceptional recurring revenue, and I’m confident they’re positioned to grow the business line. This additional capital allows APD to focus on and grow our core business, generator sales and service, while also supporting our growth in yacht and marine services, as well as our expansion into new physical locations throughout the Caribbean.”

Bill Lowman and Jason Davis of ShuffieldLowman served as legal counsel for Antilles L&G and APD.

View original article here.

 


Pet Business - Matrix Serves as Lead Advisor on Recapitalization, Acquisition of Pet Stores

In its role as sole intermediary, Matrix provided capital advisory services to Apollo.

Matrix served as lead advisor on Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures' recapitalization and acquisition of a multi-state portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus retail pet stores.

A privately-owned company established in 1999 by Dr. Steven Whatley in Albany, GA, Apollo is a veterinary care provider in the Southeast. The Company is comprised of nine full-service veterinary hospital locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

"We are proud to add this most recent portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus stores to our existing portfolio and further diversify and expand our business," said Dr. Whatley, chief executive officer of Apollo. "We are committed to operating best-in-class veterinary hospitals and Pet Supplies Plus stores, and we do that by forging personal relationships with our clients, patients, team members and the communities that we serve. As we continue to expand our presence, we were fortunate to work with Matrix to structure and intermediate this important transaction. Their experience, functional expertise, and objective approach were critical to securing capital on terms that were very attractive to the Company."

In its role as sole intermediary, Matrix provided capital advisory services to Apollo including financial modeling and sensitivity analysis, capital structure assessment, negotiation with counterparties, and placement of both debt and equity capital. The assignment was managed by John Whalen, Head of Matrix's Capital Advisory Investment Banking Group; Ryan Weir, Director and Garrett Novotny, CFA, CPA, Senior Analyst.

View original article here.


ABF Journal - Matrix Advises TBC Corporation on Sale of NTB Tire and Tire Kingdom Service Centers

Matrix Capital Markets Group advised TBC Corporation on the sale of TBC’s company operated retail businesses to Mavis Tire Express Services. The sale includes TBC’s retail network of 595 tire and automotive service centers that utilize the NTB Tire & Service Centers and Tire Kingdom Service Centers brands.

TBC, a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation of Americas and Michelin North America, is based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and is a marketer of automotive replacement tires. The company executes a multi-channel marketing strategy that includes automotive retail, wholesale and distribution and franchise operations. As part of the transaction, Mavis and TBC entered into a distribution agreement through which TBC will provide tire distribution and wholesale services for Mavis retail locations.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to TBC, which included valuation advisory; the marketing of the business through a confidential, structured sale process; and the negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was led by Stephen Lynch, CFA, CPA, managing director at Matrix, and William O’Flaherty, director at Matrix. David Shoulders, head of Matrix’s consumer and industrial investment banking group; Kyle Tipping, CFA, senior associate; Matt Oldhouser, CPA, senior associate; and Alexander Rakos, senior analyst, also advised on the transaction.

“This transaction was complex and lengthy in duration, yet the efforts, professionalism and attention to detail from the entire Matrix team have made it as seamless as possible to finalize the agreement and partnership between TBC and Mavis,” Brian Maciak, executive vice president and general counsel of TBC, said.

“We are honored to have been chosen by TBC to not only market the NTB and Tire Kingdom brands, which are both incredibly well-known and respected within the automotive industry, but also to help the company further develop this strategic partnership,” Lynch said. “The success of this transaction is a great reflection of the world-class organization that TBC and its shareholders have built, and we are very excited to watch TBC and Mavis grow and strengthen their partnership.”

“Matrix is thrilled to have achieved such an excellent outcome for our client, creating value in both the near and long term for the company,” O’Flaherty said. “We were uniquely positioned to drive value in this transaction given our rich history of multi-site retail expertise paired with our knowledge and experience in the automotive aftermarket value chain. We congratulate TBC, Mavis and their various stakeholders on this successful outcome.”

Bradley Edmister and Aafke Pronk of Hogan Lovells served as legal counsel for TBC.

View original article here.


Convenience Store News - Boyett Petroleum & United Pacific Swap Assets

Boyett sells off its Cruisers-branded c-stores while acquiring United Pacific’s wholesale fuels distribution network.

BALTIMORE — Boyett Petroleum sold its 10 company-operated petroleum marketing and convenience retail stores to Apro LLC dba United Pacific, while in a separate transaction, Boyett acquired United Pacific's wholesale fuels distribution business consisting of approximately 200 fuel supply accounts.

United Pacific will lease nine of the stores it acquired from Boyett and related-party landlords under long-term lease agreements.

Stan and Carol Boyett founded Boyett Petroleum in 1940 as an operator of gas stations in and around Modesto, CA. The Stan and Carol Boyett were joined in the business by their son, Carl, in 1970. Carl Boyett dramatically expanded the company's wholesale distribution division and added to its growing stable of fuel brands. In 1993, Carl's son Dale Boyett joined the family business, whereupon he expanded the family-owned company to one of the largest independent fuel distributors in the United States.

The divestment of Boyett's 10 Cruisers-branded convenience stores will allow the company to refocus on its wholesale fuels distribution business and the newly acquired United Pacific network, which consists of Shell, Marathon, Phillips 66 and Valero branded, as well as unbranded, dealer accounts across California, Oregon and Washington.

As part of the transaction, Boyett also gained United Pacific's distribution rights in and to the Shell brand.

"[United Pacific has] a fantastic retail team and have welcomed our employees with open arms," said Scott Castle, Boyett president. "It was important to us to find a company that valued our team as much as we did, and United Pacific did just that. We're also very excited to bring United's wholesale customers and team into the Boyett family and look forward to growing the network of dealers."

Matrix Capital Markets Group Inc. provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Boyett, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, buy-side advisory and negotiation of the transactions and lease agreements.

[Read More: United Pacific to Roll Out CBD Wellness Centers Chainwide]

United Pacific is one of the largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gas stations and convenience stores in the western United States and offers convenience products through the We Got It! Food Mart, My Goods Market and Circle K brands. It is a portfolio business of Fortress Investment Group LLC.

View original article here.


LPGas - Santmyer Companies purchases Cole Distributing

Santmyer Companies, based in Wooster, Ohio, acquired Cole Distributing, located in Shelby, Ohio.

A privately owned and family-operated company established in 1952, Santmyer is a full-service petroleum marketer in northeast and central Ohio. Santmyer’s primary offerings include diesel, gasoline, propane, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid and logistics services.

“We are proud to welcome Cole Distributing to the Santmyer family of companies,” says Zach Santmyer, president and CEO of Santmyer. “The Cole family has built a phenomenal business, and we are excited to build upon their legacy of propane and fuels distribution in north-central Ohio.”

“The synergies between our teams make it a natural partnership, and we look forward to the opportunity for growth,” he adds.

Cole Distributing provides propane, commercial fuels and lubricants. The company was founded in 1980 by Rodney and Kathleen Cole and serves thousands of central Ohioans’ energy needs.

“For over 40 years, the Cole ownership and employees have built a strong, loyal customer base, and we look forward to continuing these relationships,” says Terry Santmyer, chairman of Santmyer.

Adds Nate Santmyer, general manager of Santmyer: “We are thoroughly impressed with the quality addition of Cole’s operations, equipment and facilities to our existing infrastructure.”

Matrix Capital Markets Group provided capital and acquisition advisory services to Santmyer, which included financial modeling, assessment of optimal financing strategy, enhanced structural flexibility and negotiation of the financing. The transaction was managed by John Whalen, head of Matrix’s Capital Advisory Investment Banking Group; Ryan Weir, director; and Garrett Novotny, analyst.

View original article here.


Fuels Market News - Sale of Li’l Thrift Food Marts, Inc.

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Fayetteville, NC-based Li’l Thrift Food Marts, Inc. and its affiliates d/b/a Short Stop on the sale of the Company’s 43 company-operated petroleum marketing and convenience retail stores to an affiliate of Petroleum Marketing Group, Inc.

Li’l Thrift was founded in 1971 by Vance B. Neal with a single store in Burlington, NC. The Company nearly doubled in size in 1985 with the acquisition of E-Z Shop, a 23-store North Carolina convenience retailer and in 2004, added seven Exxon-branded locations to its portfolio, which provided an expanded presence in the Fayetteville market. In 2010, Vance Neal’s son, Chris, became President of the Company, and along with his sister, Mary Morketter, Vice President, have continued to build upon their father’s legacy. They successfully implemented a program to modernize Li’l Thrift’s IT systems, by integrating scanning and fuel equipment software, and have remained truly committed to the Company’s high standards of cleanliness and customer service.

All stores operate under the Short Stop backcourt branding, which is recognized as highly reputable in the Company’s markets of operation. The stores offer a variety of fuel options including 19 locations that market Exxon-branded fuel, five sites that feature the Marathon banner, 18 sites that offer unbranded fuel and one location that does not offer fuel. A related entity owned by Chris Neal, Ace Fueling, LLC, will continue to serve as a common carrier hauler for the Short Stop stores.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Li’l Thrift, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by David Corbett, CFA, Director; Spencer Cavalier, CFA, ASA, Co-Head of Matrix’s Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; John Mickelinc, CFA, Senior Associate and Alexander Rakos, Senior Analyst.

Chris Neal, President, Li’l Thrift, said, “I would like to thank David, Spencer, John and Alex for all that they have done in helping our family exit the convenience store business that we have been involved in for over 50 years. Matrix was instrumental in shaping the way we went to market, how we evaluated bids and eventually choosing PMG as the successful bidder. My family is extremely grateful to Matrix for guiding us through the whole process. We believe that PMG will continue the same family traditions that have guided us over the years.”

Mr. Corbett added, “Vance, Chris and Mary have worked tirelessly for more than 50 years to build Li’l Thrift and the Short Stop chain into one of the leading convenience retail portfolios in the Carolinas. It was a pleasure and an honor to represent the Neal family in the sale of the business during such a transformative and important time.”

Larry Parker and Rakesh Parikh of Williams Mullen served as legal counsel for Li’l Thrift.

View original article here.


Convenience Store News - Alpena Oil Co. Sells Assets to Blarney Castle Oil

The sale comprises 14 convenience stores, six Louie’s Fresh Market full-service grocery stores, plus a cardlock.

ALPENA, Mich. — EZ Mart operator Blarney Castle Oil Co. acquired the assets of Michigan-based Alpena Oil Co. The transaction includes six Louie's Fresh Market full-service grocery stores and 14 traditional convenience stores, plus a cardlock.

Alpena Oil dates back to 1849, when Jeremiah Douville, the great-grandfather of the company's current ownership, opened a single bakery in Alpena. The second generation of the Douville family expanded into grocery wholesaling, which remained the primary business until they acquired their first gas station portfolio in 1996. Jere Johnston, Alpena's president, focused on growing the chain through larger format stores and shortly thereafter opened the first Louie's Fresh Market in Alanson, Mich. The original market spurred an expansion into five additional large format grocery stores.

Matrix Capital Markets provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Alpena Oil, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process and sale negotiations. Tammera Diehm, Noreen Sedgeman and Beth Harper of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. served as Alpena's legal counsel.

"Jere and Sharon built and operated a very successful retail chain that offered customers high-value products in a clean and friendly environment," said Spencer Cavalier, co-head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group. "We thank Jere and Sharon for trusting Matrix to advise them on the sale of their company in which they invested so much time and energy to create, build and grow."

Founded in 1933 by Dennis E. McCarthy and now run by his sons and grandsons, Blarney Castle Oil currently runs 139 EZ Mart locations and employs more than 800 people in Michigan.

View original article here.