Energy Distribution Partners merges with Michigan retailer

Michigan-based Shute Oil & Propane plans to merge with Chicago-based Energy Distribution Partners (EDP).

Shute Oil & Propane, headquartered in Rudyard, Mich., provides its customers with propane, heating oil, gas and diesel fuel. The company, which has nine full-time employees, launched in 1966 and serves nearly 2,300 customers across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“We are extremely pleased to have Shute Oil & Propane merge with EDP,” says Tom Knauff, CEO of EDP. “[Shute Oil & Propane] owner Dave Shute has taken extremely good care of both his employees and his customers over the years, and we are committed to ensuring they will remain well-cared for.”

EDP also acquired Michigan-based Lyons LP Gas Co. Inc. earlier this month, and it recently merged with Michigan-based Autore Oil & Propane Co. The merger with Shute Oil & Propane marks the company’s ninth transaction in the past four years, according to a press release. EDP adds that it plans to continue its growth strategy in the propane and midstream industries with customers in California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.