Heritage Propane Partners signs agreement to buy Metro Lift Propane

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Dec 9, 2003 by Journal Record staff

Heritage Propane Partners has signed a definitive agreement to buy the assets of Metro Lift Propane.

Metro Lift operates in Nashville, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Greensboro, N.C.; Boston; Louisville, Ky.; St. Louis, Mo.; Dallas, Houston and New Orleans.

The company was started in 1996 in Nashville by Tom Harlan and Tom Stikeleather to serve the metropolitan forklift cylinder market. In May 1998, Kendall Rhine joined the ownership group to assist with the expansion into new markets. Metro Lift sells 10 million gallons per year.

Harlan and Stikeleather will join Heritage to further expand the business model to additional markets. Rhine intends to pursue other interests, according to Tulsa-based Heritage Propane.

The purchase is expected to close in early January. All of the employees of Metro Lift Propane will be offered employment with Heritage.

Heritage is the fourth-largest retail marketer of propane in the United States, serving more than 650,000 customers from nearly 300 customer service locations in 29 states.