ThompsonGas acquires South Florida Gas

Frederick, Maryland-based ThompsonGas purchased the tangible and intangible assets related to the propane delivery business of South Florida Gas Co., headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida.

South Florida Gas has served southwest Florida for more than 27 years. Charles (Chuck) Robb and Terry Fisher acquired Careful Gas Service in 1995. After Robb purchased Fisher’s interest in 2007, Chuck and Stephanie Robb became owners of the renamed South Florida Gas. Building on a niche market serving RV parks, the business grew by acquisition, expanding its service territory in southwest Florida and adding a bulk storage facility. Its customer mix on the Gulf Coast includes multiple residential, metered propane systems.

“This is a great day for our business, our employees and our customers,” says South Florida Gas President Chuck Robb. “To sell our business one day was part of our long-term plan and now, with ThompsonGas carrying it forward, we know it will be taken to the next level, especially with the guidance of our management team.”

With more than 75 years of service, ThompsonGas now claims a footprint in 23 states across the country. The brand began with Lloyd and Dorothy Thompson in a Boonsboro, Maryland, storefront in 1946, with a promise to provide quality products and service to customers.

“The newest member of the ThompsonGas family, South Florida Gas Co., provides a significant addition to our Florida market,” says ThompsonGas CEO Erik Peterson. “We are beyond excited to welcome the South Florida Gas team and look forward to making them feel right at home as they join ThompsonGas. We are honored to take forward the legacy South Florida Gas built so well.”

Cetane Associates served as the sole arranger and financial adviser to South Florida Gas. Cetane advised on the sale, including an initial valuation opinion, marketing the business through a confidential process, assisting in negotiating the final deal terms and coordinating the due diligence process. Team members Tamera Kovacs, Fred Lord and Barrett Conway managed the transaction.

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