Press Releases

Acquisition Announcement: Spring Brook Ice & Fuel

KENT, Conn. – June 8, 2022 – Cetane Associates LLC is pleased to announce that Fabian Oil Inc., a Maine corporation whose corporate offices are located in Oakland, Maine, has acquired the heating oil, propane, and service business of Spring Brook Ice & Fuel Co. headquartered in Waterville, Maine. The transaction closed on June 1, 2022.

Over 100 years old, Spring Brook Ice & Fuel was founded in 1918 after the end of the first World War. During a century of service, Spring Brook supplied ice and coal into the 1950s when heating and range oil became the fuels of choice. Fuel storage and propane delivery were later added along with service supplied by their skilled technicians. Robert L. Ervin founded and grew the business and enjoyed a favorable reputation as a generous businessman and community leader. When Robert passed in 1962, his son Edmund N. Ervin assumed leadership with general manager Joseph Michaud overseeing operations. Around 2000, the next generation, founder Robert’s grandsons, Edmund D. (Ed) Ervin and Robert (Sandy) Ervin became involved in the business and then as co-owners took full management responsibilities in 2009. By meeting customers’ needs and preserving traditions of high-quality service, Spring Brook customers trust they have an efficient provider of their every heating and cooling need.

Fabian Oil was founded in 1988 as a single retail gasoline station. By 1991, Fabian Oil was retailing heating oil to the Central Maine area. With a growth strategy primarily focused on acquisition, family-owned and -operated Fabian Oil has expanded its product mix to include propane, service, and natural gas, and added multiple retail locations throughout Maine plus servicing a vast wholesale market throughout New England.

Edmund D. (Ed) Ervin, co-owner and president of Spring Brook Ice & Fuel, commented, “We are very pleased that our organization will become a part of Fabian Oil. Their deep roots in Maine are positive for our customers and a great fit for our employees.” He also stated, “I want to emphasize our thanks to Cetane for all they’ve done for us throughout the transaction. We really couldn’t have done this without the help of the expert, experienced, and thoughtful team at Cetane.”

Edward J. Fabian, Jr., Fabian Oil president, stated that “The Ervin family and their talented team built a successful business, and we are honored that they chose Fabian Oil to continue to care for their customers. We appreciate that the Spring Brook employees will be joining our team and look forward to helping them feel right at home at Fabian Oil.  We plan to carry on the legacy established by Spring Brook in the local community.”

Jeff Brunner, Director of Cetane and transaction leader, commented, “I am happy for the Ervin family to have completed this transaction. Their 104-year-old family company has been managed with a keen focus on their employees, their customers, and their community. It was a pleasure working with Sandy and Ed throughout the process.”

Cetane served as the sole arranger and financial advisor to Spring Brook Ice & Fuel Co. Cetane advised on the sale, including an initial valuation opinion, marketing the business through a confidential process, assisting in negotiation of the final deal terms, and coordinating the due diligence process. The transaction was managed by team members Jeff Brunner, Fred Lord, and Steve Abbate.


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We were very pleased to have such a knowledgeable and experienced company in our corner with the team at Cetane. It was obvious that they knew the best process and how to get the ball over the goal line. Their advice throughout the process was greatly appreciated and we thoroughly enjoyed working with them.

— Steve Lombardi, Brodeur’s Oil, Moosup, CT