Harper Oil Co., a chain with more than 70 years of history in Springfield, Ill. Area, is selling its chain of 26 convenience stores to Israeli company EZ Energy USA Inc. The sale should be completed this summer.

Both Harper Oil and EZ Energy. said the chain would remain based in Springfield, and the stores would continue to operate as Harper On the Way. EZ Energy plans to take on existing managers and more than 200 employees.

#x201C;Our company has been exploring various means of growth over the past couple of years, and selling our portfolio of stores intact to EZ Energy will allow our employees and our customers to benefit from the future growth of our brand,#x201D; said Harper CEO Chris Sommer.

#x201C;We believe that Harper On The Way locations represent a strong brand in the Illinois market and will provide EZ Energy USA with a solid platform for future growth,#x201D; said EZ’s chairman Eli Zahavi.