Townsend Energy acquires Alvin Hollis Co.

Townsend Energy, a fourth-generation energy marketer in New England, acquired Alvin Hollis Co., a sixth-generation Massachusetts heating oil and propane distributor.

FuelExchange, the merger and acquisition service of Gray, Gray & Gray, announced the transaction in which Marty Kirshner of FuelExchange represented Alvin Hollis.

Gray, Gray & Gray has been working with the Bicknell family and Alvin Hollis for more than 25 years, according to James DeLeo, leading partner at Gray, Gray & Gray.

“Our insight into their company provided us with a real understanding of the family’s intent and hopes for their company, both during and after the transaction,” DeLeo says. “We are very pleased with how the sale progressed and that an amazing company like Townsend Energy will be continuing the tradition of service that Alvin Hollis customers have come to expect.”

Adds Jim Bicknell, president of Alvin Hollis, “Members of the FuelExchange team at Gray, Gray & Gray were the ultimate professionals throughout the entire process. From our first meeting when we discussed a possible sale, through the extensive preparation before going to market, right through the negotiation and final transaction, they were right there with us and for us. And I fully expect that Gray, Gray & Gray will continue to support our family in the next phase of our lives.”

Townsend Energy, based in Danvers, Massachusetts, also acquired Bartlett & Steadman, a plumbing and HVAC company based in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in August.

“It was a pleasure working with Marty Kirshner and Jim DeLeo of Gray, Gray & Gray and FuelExchange on the acquisition of Alvin Hollis. They represented both sides with professionalism and integrity throughout the process,” says Brookes Townsend, president of Townsend Energy. “This is a major acquisition for Townsend, and we are beyond excited to join forces with another multi-generation family business that shares our values and vision.”

FuelExchange assists those interested in buying, selling or merging a propane, fuel oil, HVAC or plumbing business, helping to facilitate transactions as a “one stop” resource for identifying potential partners, marketing companies for sale, determining business valuation, managing transactions and developing post-sale financial and operational strategies.

Gray, Gray & Gray is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. The firm serves clients in a broad range of industries. It is a member of CPAmerica Inc., one of the largest associations of independent accounting firms in the United States.

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