Matrix Capital Markets Group, an independent investment bank, advised Wilmington, NC-based Springer Eubank Company and its affiliates on the sale of the company’s assets, including its travel center and convenience and gas division (TC&G division) and its delivered fuels and fuel transport divisions, to an affiliate of Petroleum Marketing Group.
The origin of Springer Eubank dates back to the 1800’s when Springer Coal and Eubank Oil began marketing petroleum products in the coastal Carolinas. In 1976, they merged to form Springer Eubank Oil Company, and in 2004 was acquired by W. Cecil Worsley, III and became Springer Eubank Company. Greta Stanley, Springer Eubank’s executive vice president had previously worked with Worsley since 2005 at Worsley Companies (Scotchman Stores), and she later joined Springer Eubank in 2008 when the company sold. At the time of the sale of Worsley Companies, Springer Eubank was a sister wholesale fuel company that was retained by Worsley.
Springer Eubank’s TC&G Division is comprised of nine company-operated convenience stores, one travel center, one cardlock, six dealer/agent operated sites and one greenfield landbank site located in the greater Wilmington, NC area, as well as eastern South Carolina. The convenience stores operate under the “Phoenix Mart” banner, while the travel center is branded “Phoenix Travel Center.” The stores market major fuel brands and three locations feature the Company’s proprietary “Coastal Fuels” gasoline and diesel. Three locations offer QSR foodservice.
The delivered fuels segment operates out of the company’s bulk plant located near the port of Wilmington and distributes diesel, gasoline and kerosene to a variety of commercial and marine customers. Springer Eubank’s fuel transport division supports both the TC&G and delivered fuels divisions and consists of a fleet of nine transports.
Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Springer Eubank, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by David Corbett, CFA, director; Spencer Cavalier, CFA, ASA, co-head of Matrix’s downstream energy & convenience retail investment banking group; John Mickelinc, CFA, senior associate and Alexander Rakos, senior analyst.
“I have known the Matrix team for many years and was aware of the outstanding reputation that they have in the industry,” Worsley said. “Their knowledge of the market and skill in executing a highly effective M&A process made them the clear choice when deciding who to hire as an advisor. Matrix was instrumental in achieving my goals for the sale of Springer Eubank.”
“Cecil and the Worsley family have been well-respected in the industry for many years. Cecil has built Springer Eubank into one of the leading petroleum marketers in Wilmington and the surrounding areas,” Corbett said. “We were honored to represent him in the sale of the company as he transitions his focus to his other entrepreneurial ventures.”
Stephen Diab, Berry Trice and Lauren Williams of Murchison, Taylor & Gibson served as legal counsel for Springer Eubank Company.
