Acquisition Announcement: Ace-Robbins

HOUSTON, Texas. – June 16, 2025 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”), is pleased to announce that Blueox Corporation (“Blueox”), of Oxford, N.Y. has acquired Ace Robbins, Inc. (“Ace-Robbins”), of Tunkhannock, Pa. The transaction was closed on June 6, 2025.

Ace-Robbins began in the 1940s, when James Ace operated several businesses in the Tunkhannock area, including feed, farm supply, fuel, and appliance sales. In 1956, Frank Robbins joined as manager, and by 1964, the two became partners and officially formed Ace-Robbins. Since 1982, Ron and Abby Kukuchka have owned Ace-Robbins, and have grown the company through strategic acquisitions and expanded product lines to serve their community’s energy needs – adding propane delivery and service, a state-of-the-art appliance showroom and a team of highly trained propane and fuel technicians. Ace-Robbins has become a trusted one-stop provider of home and business energy solutions. Ron commented, “Selling our business was a big decision, but we’re confident that the company and our customers will be in good hands with the new owners. Working with Cetane made the entire process a success — they guided us every step of the way and made what could have been an overwhelming undertaking into a thorough and successful transition process and great experience.”

Blueox is a full-service energy provider, offering propane, bioheat fuel oil, kerosene, diesel, and gasoline delivery. They also install and service heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and air conditioning units. Known for reliable service and customer-first convenience, Blueox combines modern tools with local, personalized care. Jared Bartle, President at Blueox, said, “We are thrilled to be acquiring such a wonderful company with a rich history and deep ties to the community. We are committed to honoring the legacy that has been built and will continue to provide the same great service and care that customers have come to expect for years to come.”

Joe Rosengrant, Director of Business Development at Cetane Associates, shared, “It’s been an absolute pleasure and honor working with Ron and Abby. They’re not only great business owners but truly wonderful people who built something special.  We wish them all the best in this next chapter of their lives.”

Cetane served as the sole arranger to Ace-Robbins. Cetane advised on the sale, including an initial valuation opinion, marketing the business through a confidential process, assisting in negotiating the final deal terms, and coordinating the due diligence process. Team members Joe Rosengrant, Fred Lord, Dalton Brooks, Whitney Parsley, and Trey Brasseaux managed the transaction.

About Cetane Associates

Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the propane, heating oil, pest control, lawn care, landscaping, and HVAC & plumbing industries. Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs, and acquisitions, as well as to perform valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments. For more information, please visit www.cetane.com.