Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of H.A. Mapes, Inc.

RICHMOND, VA / BALTIMORE, MD – August 17, 2023 – Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. (“Matrix”), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised H.A. Mapes, Inc. (“H.A. Mapes” or the “Company”) on its sale to Nouria Energy Retail, Inc., a subsidiary of Nouria Energy Corporation (“Nouria”). While H.A. Mapes is known throughout New England as a leading petroleum distributor, the Company in recent years had expanded into convenience retail operations through acquisitions, new-to-industry builds, and major store remodels. Prior to the sale, the Company owned 13 retail locations and sold fuel on a wholesale basis to approximately 80 customers.

H.A. Mapes is a third-generation, family owned and operated business with roots in Springvale, Maine. The Company was founded in 1936 by Harry Allen Mapes as a small heating oil provider servicing customers in Springvale. In 1950, Harry’s son, Harry Allen Mapes, Jr. joined the business and helped the Company expand its reach throughout Southern Maine. For its first 40 years, H.A. Mapes focused on expanding its heating oil business throughout southern Maine. In 1982, Jonathan Mapes formally joined the third-generation family business. Under Jonathan’s guidance, H.A. Mapes transitioned from distributing heating oil to motor fuels and became one of the largest distributors in Maine.  In 2018, Jonathan began building out the Company’s convenience retail offerings, and in 2022 he unified each company-operated store with the launch of the Harry’s proprietary brand.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to H.A. Mapes, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Spencer Cavalier, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix’s Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; Andrew LoPresti, CPA, CFA, Vice President; and Kyle Tipping, CFA, Senior Associate.

Jonathan Mapes, President of H.A. Mapes, stated, “In 2019 Matrix identified our deficiencies from a buyer’s perspective via their detailed evaluation.  Our team immediately embarked on a new approach to market.  We asked Matrix to re-evaluate in 2022 whereupon the decision to ‘go to market’ was made. I would recommend this two-step process to anyone considering the anguishing decision to sell as it can improve value considerably.  Transitioning out of the essential petroleum business has been an emotional yet a timely decision that Matrix facilitated professionally.”

Mr. Cavalier added, “We have enjoyed working with Jonathan and his talented team, including Steve McGrath, over the last several years providing valuation, strategic and transaction advisory services.  Jonathan’s family and employees built one of the premier petroleum marketing and convenience retailing businesses in New England, and it was an honor to be their advisor.”

Michael Quinlan of Jensen Baird served as legal counsel for H.A. Mapes, Inc.