Cetane Associates LLC (Kent, Conn.) recently announced completion of the acquisition of the heating oil, propane, and service business of Fortier & Son Inc. (Somersworth, N.H.) by Dead River Co. (South Portland, Maine) on Oct. 27. Details of the acquisition were not revealed.

Founded in 1950 by Robert W. Fortier, Fortier & Son Inc. sells and delivers propane and heating oil to residential customers from its New Hampshire facility, which includes a 78,000-gal. propane bulk plant. Its service department performs heating and cooling equipment installation and repair services. Bob Fortier, the son of the founder Robert W. Fortier, joined the business in 1976, and became the owner in 2004, upon Robert’s retirement. He viewed propane as the next step in the company’s expansion, and today the company continues as a full-service heating fuel dealer in a highly focused delivery area.

“For 70 years, ours has been a locally owned and operated business, with deep ties to our community,” added Bob Fortier. “Knowing that Dead River is also a family-owned company, known for its high quality of service and for giving back to the communities it serves, puts my mind at ease. I know our customers are in good hands.”

“Fortier & Son has earned the trust of their customers for nearly 70 years, and so we’re honored that Bob Fortier put his trust in Dead River to carry on that high level of service,” said Dead River president and CEO, Deanna Sherman. “I am also pleased to welcome Fortier & Son’s team members to the Dead River Co. family.”

With acquisitions being part of Dead River Co.'s long-term growth strategy, Fortier & Son is the 10th company to join the Dead River family through acquisition over the last three years.

Dead River Co., founded in 1909 by Charles Hutchins, originated in the forest products industry, along the banks of the Dead River, from which the company took its name. Today, it’s one of the largest retailers of home heating products in northern New England. In 1936, Dead River entered into the petroleum business and has since grown to be the largest, full-service home heating provider in northern New England. By operating locally managed offices throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, it maintains the values of a family-owned business.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, November 12, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.