Offen Petroleum has acquired Gas Depot Inc. and Gas Depot Oil Co., both headquartered in Chicago. Offen is an independent distributor of motor fuels, propane and lubricants and offers petroleum logistics services throughout the U.S. The acquisition is Offen’s first into Chicago and the Great Lakes region.
Gas Depot was founded by George Nediyakalayil in 1999 and is a full-service wholesale distributor of motor fuels throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri. Gas Depot sells motor fuels under the Shell, Marathon, CITGO, BP, Exxon/Mobil, Gulf, Clark and its proprietary Gas Depot brands and is a supplier of unbranded motor fuels. Gas Depot has developed a reputation of operational excellence and has been a trusted supplier in Chicago and surrounding Midwest markets. Further, Gas Depot operates its own chain of gas stations, and after the transaction, Gas Depot will continue to operate these stores.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to impact the fuel industry over the past 23 years, and now our team has chosen to redirect our efforts towards growing our other companies and businesses. Gas Depot has grown not just as a business but as an extended family that has created lifelong opportunities and relationships,” stated George Nediyakalayil, founder and CEO of Gas Depot. “While it is not easy to transition off this business, I know that Offen will be an excellent operator to continue the growth that we started. Offen has created a reputation of providing the highest level of customer care, and they have a wide breadth of resources that will benefit our customers. I am confident that Gas Depot’s customers will continue to flourish through Offen.”
This acquisition will add over 150 new retail gas station/convenience store customers along with a portfolio of municipal customers. The addition of these customers will provide Offen a new footprint in Chicagoland and surrounding markets. Further, Offen is establishing an operations center in Chicago and will be hiring the talented operations personnel of Gas Depot. This acquisition builds upon Offen’s status as one of the leading fuel distributors in the U.S. and grows Offen’s commitment to supporting the branded motor fuel dealer and municipal businesses.
“George Nediyakalayil and his team of dedicated employees have created a very successful business operating in a highly competitive marketplace, and I am very honored that the Nediyakalayil family has entrusted Offen to continue providing superior service to their customers,” said Bill Gallagher, Offen’s CEO. “This is a unique opportunity for us to acquire a high-quality portfolio of customers in one of America’s largest markets.”
Downstream Energy Partners (DEP) and Trilla Consulting Group provided exclusive merger and acquisition advisory services to Gas Depot.
“Offen Petroleum is acquiring high-quality wholesale fuel supply assets in a location strategic to their expanding footprint,” said Jeff Traub, partner of DEP. “George Nediyakalayil built an exceptional company, and it’s been an absolute pleasure representing them in this transaction.”
Headquartered in Commerce City, Colo., Offen is an active acquirer of companies in this consolidating marketplace. Offen distributes over 2.4 billion gallons of motor fuel annually and will serve customers throughout the U.S.
