Local aircraft fuel company acquires Texaco holdings

Ann Arbor-based Avfuel Corp., the nation's leading independent supplier of aviation fuels and services, has agreed to purchase Texaco's general aviation business in 14 western and southern states.

The divestiture of this portion of Texaco's general aviation business satisfies the requirement by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in the consent order issued, granting approval for the merger of Chevron and Texaco.

The two companies have scheduled separate shareholder meetings on Oct. 9, to seek final approval for the merger. Completion of this acquisition is expected shortly after the merger close.

This purchase is Avfuel's seventh aviation acquisition, and the fourth public company division to be incorporated into Avfuel.

This string of acquisitions began over a decade ago under the leadership of Avfuel President Craig Sincock. Avfuel acquisitions include Pride Aviation, a division of Pride Cos., L.P. in 1988, Triton Fuel Group, a division of Triton Energy Ltd. in 1993, and PS Trading in 1998.

This latest acquisition provides Avfuel with new holdings in California, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

Avfuel was founded in the early 1970's and has been under Sincock's leadership since 1984. Due to consistent sales growth, aggressive acquisitions and marketing alliances with other companies, Avfuel has grown from a regional supplier to a major international presence in aviation.

"The acquisition of this portion of Texaco's General Aviation business takes Avfuel Corp. up to the next level in its mission to become an undisputed global leader in general aviation," Sincock said.

Avfuel will be stepping into Texaco's supply relationships, which, when combined with Avfuel's existing supply sources, results in one of the strongest and most diverse supply networks in the industry.

Avfuel serves more than 700 branded dealers and 2,500 other aviation customers nationwide.

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