SMO (Southern Maryland Oil, Inc.) Announces Acquisition of The Besche Company
(LA PLATA, MARYLAND) ‘ July 20, 2012- SMO announced today a major acquisition: the purchase of the heating fuel business of The Besche Company. This transaction, which will be completed on July 31, 2012, includes Besche’s tank wagon petroleum and HVAC business, as well as their Clinton Bulk Plant in Prince George’s County. With this acquisition SMO has strengthened its position as the leading provider of propane and heating fuels in Southern Maryland.
‘Bringing SMO and Besche together makes a lot of sense for our clients, but also our companies which makes for an easy transition,” explained John Combs, president of SMO. ‘Both our companies are family owned and have been serving the Southern Maryland Region for many decades. Together, we have over 150 years of combined experience.”
Many of SMO and Besche’s service offerings are similar, including fuel oil and kerosene delivery; HVAC equipment sales, including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, water heaters; and HVAC service. SMO also offers propane delivery and propane conversions, as well as extensive commercial fuel services, which will now be available to Besche clients.
‘This acquisition will also allow us to take the best of both companies and offer even greater value and services to all our clients,” said Combs. ‘For example, SMO has an online portal that allows clients to manage their accounts online. It’s really an industry first and we are excited to share this feature with our new Besche clients.”
Many of the employees from the Besche Company will join SMO. The Besche Company will retain its retail businesses, including its Sunoco/Citgo stores and transportation dealer business.
About SMO
SMO is an 86 year old energy company that is family owned and operated. Founded as Southern Maryland Oil, SMO has grown into the leading propane and heating fuel supplier in Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore. SMO believes in treating clients like family and proudly delivers propane, heating oil, and kerosene without any delivery fees. SMO’s full service offerings also include installation of HVAC equipment and HVAC service. More information about SMO can be found at: SMOenergy.com.
About The Besche Company
For over 66 years, The Besche Company’s mission has been to deliver quality products and services including heating oil, K 1 kerosene, fuel oil, and Carrier and Trane HVAC systems, at competitive prices, in an environmentally sound manner, while providing opportunities for employees and contributing to the well-being of the community. Besche serves Southern Maryland in Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and Anne Arundel Counties. More information about Besche can be found at: Besche.com.