(June 20, 2019) – In an effort to expand its footprint and capabilities along Michigan’s western lakeshore, Crystal Flash (Grand Rapids, Mich.) has acquired Muskegon, Mich.-based Kohley’s Superior Propane. The transaction was finalized on June 7, 2019. Terms regarding the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition provides employee-owned Crystal Flash with more than 1700 additional home heating customers. Two Kohley’s Propane team members will join Crystal Flash.
Crystal Flash logo“Finding companies with a mission and values similar to ours is key when we look at an acquisition,” said Tom Olive, Crystal Flash president. “Kohley’s fit this bill perfectly. Our shared heritage as proud, independent propane retailers with a commitment to strong customer relations drove our decision. We look forward to having Kohley’s team join our employee-owned company and to serving customers along the lakeshore.”

The purchase marked the 12th acquisition for Crystal Flash, a leading independent distributor of propane, gasoline, and diesel in Michigan. Since being founded in 1932, the company has grown to have more than 280 employees and 15 locations across the state to power homes, fleets, construction, farms, and businesses.

Crystal Flash has completed 11 other acquisitions of Michigan-based companies since 2011 to expand its reach across the state’s Lower Peninsula and into northern Indiana. They include Drakes Fuel Services in Schoolcraft, Elliott Gas & Oil in Gladwin, Leelanau Propane in Northport, Heartland Propane in Hart, and CA Murphy in Sturgis. Others are C. Barron & Sons Inc. in Monroe, Owens Petroleum Inc. and Owens Propane Service Inc. in Albion, Brenner Oil’s home heat division in Holland/Muskegon, Richardson Oil in Lawrence, Lenawee Farm Bureau Oil Cooperative Inc. in Adrian, and Knapp Energy Inc. in Kalamazoo.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, June 24, 2019)