Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services to sell propane division

Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services plans to sell Pierce Pepin Propane Services to River Country Cooperative, based in Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

Pierce Pepin entered the propane industry in 1999, positioning itself for emerging fuel cell technology that had been developing at the time, the cooperative explains in a press release. While the use of propane as a feedstock for hydrogen fuel cell energy production did not develop, the residential housing market did. Pierce Pepin filled a void at the time for the installation of propane services.

Recently, Pierce Pepin says its board of directors and management recognized a need to strengthen supply sourcing, transportation and storage. The company decided to negotiate a transaction with River Country Cooperative.

River Country Cooperative has been in business for 80 years and has serviced propane for more than 45 years. The company also has knowledge on propane logistics through its relationship with CHS Inc. River Country Cooperative will acquire Pierce Pepin on Aug. 31.