Crystal Flash has acquired Richardson Oil LLC in a move that will expand the company’s footprint in Southwest Michigan. Lawrence-based Richardson Oil distributes a variety of fuel including diesel, gasoline and kerosene. Crystal Flash, a fuel distribution company based in Grand Rapids, will add over 350 new customers and four employees as a result of the deal.
Grand Rapids-based Charter Capital Partners advised Crystal Flash on the transaction. The firm has advised Crystal Flash in the acquisition of nine companies since 2011. Crystal Flash employs 250 people across 14 locations in Michigan. In May 2016, the company was purchased by its employees via a leveraged employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
“Our transition to an employee stock ownership plan earlier this year allows us to offer employees who join us through an acquisition a true path to ownership,” said President Tom Olive. Olive, who joined Crystal Flash in 2015 to take over for former company president Tom Fehsenfeld, believes that the company’s status as an ESOP will “be an attractive option for business owners looking to transition into retirement or a next chapter.” Read more at MiBiz