Dead River Acquires Northern Essex Fuel

Dead River Co., South Portland, Maine, acquired Northern Essex Fuel Co., Merrimac, Massachusetts, and will operate it under Buxton Oil, one of Dead River’s independent brands. The acquisition, announced by Dead River on Jan. 25, gives the company a greater footprint in northern Massachusetts.

NEFCO owners Barbara and Mark Bird are retiring after 34 years of operating their family business. The Birds stated it was important to them to find a company that believes in “putting customer and community first.”

In 2018, Dead River acquired Buxton Oil, Epping, N.H., which continues to operate independently. Based 17 miles away, Buxton Oil will serve NEFCO customers. Dead River also has an office in Bernardston, Massachusetts.

Buxton Oil General Manager Jon Drabik noted that propane products and services, which were not available to customers through NEFCO, will be available as part of Buxton Oil’s offerings.