Cetane Associates Celebrates 20 Years in Business

Houston (March 23, 2026) — As of March 2026, Cetane Associates is celebrating 20 years in business as a client-focused mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm. During that time, the firm has guided hundreds of business owners through successful transitions, helping them realize the full value of their life’s work.

Founded in 2006, Cetane was built on the belief that owners who have poured their lives into building a company deserve the best options and the ability to retire comfortably after decades of commitment and sacrifice. Steve Abbate created the firm to ensure that owners navigating the most important financial event of their lives have an experienced advocate on their side.

Abbate commented, “Cetane was founded on the principles of helping owners find the right company to transition their business to. It has never been just about the money; it’s about the right fit for the owners, for the employees and for the customers. As Zig Zigler said, ‘You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.’ It’s a great feeling to know that for the last 20 years, we have helped so many people achieve their goals, and we continue to help more people every year. The company began in the basement of my home in Maryland and has grown to have employees across the country with offices in Houston and Denver.

“As I neared retirement age, I transitioned my business to Barrett Conway, who I knew would take it to the next level. I have remained with the company as an advisor, and I have had the privilege of seeing the company expand nationally to over 25 employees. It’s a great feeling to be helping people and growing a business. Thank you to all our clients for choosing us for the last 20 years!”

Barrett Conway joined Cetane in 2020, bringing analytical expertise, a solid understanding of the M&A industry and the same care and professionalism that have always been at the heart of the company. He acquired Cetane in 2022, marking not only a leadership transition, but a continuation of Cetane’s client-focused philosophy. The Cetane team was thrilled that one of their own would take the helm, ensuring the company’s values continued to guide every client engagement. Under Conway’s leadership, the firm has expanded into additional service industries, adding experienced professionals in each area to maintain the same high level of expertise.

Conway commented, “I’m incredibly proud to carry forward what Steve built over the past 20 years. Cetane has always been about doing right by our clients, and that commitment remains at the core of everything we do. As we grow, we’re focused on maintaining that same level of trust while expanding our reach and capabilities. We’ve been fortunate to build a team that shares those values, and that alignment is what allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes. Looking ahead, our priority is to continue evolving with the industries we serve while staying true to the principles that have defined Cetane since day one.”

Cetane remains committed to giving back to the communities and industries it serves. The firm supports industry associations, participates in conferences and has always shared knowledge freely by writing articles in trade publications and through speaking engagements. Cetane is also a proud supporter of the Safe House Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting human trafficking, reflecting their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact beyond the business world.