DLA Piper represented ThompsonGas, the largest privately-held propane distributor in Maryland and, with these acquisitions, the 16th largest in the United States, in its acquisition of L & L Propane, a propane distribution and service company that serves customers in Alabama and Mississippi. The transaction closed on December 6.
ThompsonGas’ purchase of L & L Propane follows on the heels of four earlier acquisitions of propane companies in 2010, in which DLA Piper also provided legal counsel. ThompsonGas closed on its purchase of Central Propane Company in North Carolina on September 1 and also acquired Georgia propane companies, West Georgia Propane and Upson Propane, as well as West Virginia company Appalachian Heating and Propane, earlier in 2010. These deals resulted in 55,000 new customers and 10 million in additional annual revenues for ThompsonGas.
“These acquisitions are an important part of our strategic plan to grow our customer base and geographic footprint in the propane gas and alternative energy markets in the eastern US,” said J. Randall Thompson, President and CEO of ThompsonGas.
“DLA Piper has extensive experience representing emerging and growth stage businesses in roll-up transactions to facilitate their growth,” said Matthew Gorra, partner in DLA Piper’s Baltimore office who serves as legal counsel to ThompsonGas. “We’re proud to have assisted ThompsonGas in this series of strategic acquisitions to expand their footprint in the southeastern US.”
