Skylands Energy Service Inc. Acquires M.J. Neill Inc.

KENT, Conn. (Feb. 1, 2022) — Cetane Associates LLC is pleased to announce that Skylands Energy Service Inc. of Raritan, New Jersey has acquired the full-service energy supply business of M.J. Neill Inc., located in Bernardsville, New Jersey. The transaction closed on Jan. 18, 2022.

For more than 100 years, M.J. Neill has been a family-owned and -operated business serving its New Jersey residential and light commercial customers. Established in 1917 by David W. Neill, the business is now in its fourth generation with President David A. Neill as its owner.

Over the years the company has changed along with the energy industry having evolved from coal to heating oil to offering service and propane for cylinder exchange and diesel fuel for commercial vehicles. Their reputation with their customers is one of excellence in service.

Owner David Neill said, “M.J. Neill has been dedicated to quick response to customer heating needs for over a century. We are proud of our legacy and pleased to have completed this successful transaction with Skylands Energy Service. My thanks go to the professionals at Cetane Associates for their exceptional advice and diligence throughout the deal process.”

Skylands Energy is a family-owned and -operated heating, ventilation and air conditioning company, offering outstanding service for home heating and cooling systems. Additionally, the company delivers home heating oil to homes throughout Central New Jersey.

Skylands Energy President Edward A. Miller said, “We are glad to bring M.J. Neill into the Skylands Energy Service family. Their well-known local reputation and loyal customers are welcome additions to our operation. We appreciate the great team at Cetane Associates for their assistance through this transaction.”

Doug Woosnam, director at Cetane Associates, said, “At Cetane, we are pleased to have worked with the M.J. Neill team and congratulate the company on completing the successful sale to Skylands Energy Service.”

Cetane served as the sole arranger and financial advisor to M.J. Neill, Inc. 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. The transaction was managed by team members Doug Woosnam and Steve Abbate.