The shareholders of Kettlewell Fuels Limited have sold their stake to Northern Energy for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 1987 and based in Melmerby near Ripon, family-run Kettlewell Fuels is a leading independent heating and fuel oil supplier to domestic, agricultural and commercial customers across North Yorkshire. A member of the UK & Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), the business has built an enviable brand based on its excellent customer service.
Northern Energy has been fuelling communities since 1932 and is the North’s largest independent family-run energy supplier. Based in Hampsthwaite, near Harrogate, the firm supplies communities in the North of England with domestic, commercial, and agricultural oil and LPG. Northern Energy recently celebrated its 90th birthday and the strategic acquisition of Kettlewell Fuels will support the firm’s growth ambitions.
Janet and Trevor Kettlewell, managing Shareholders of Kettlewell Fuels, who were advised by Rob Burton of Azets and David Strachan of Schofield Sweeney, said:
“For over three decades, we have been supported by a loyal and dedicated team and we are very proud of what the business has achieved. We believe Northern Energy will sustain our legacy and we are leaving the business in great hands. We would like to thank our fantastic team, customers, and suppliers for their support over the years.
“We have received terrific support from the team at Azets and our lawyers at Schofield Sweeney, who helped us navigate and negotiate the sale. We appreciate the dedication of the team in managing a smooth process throughout and delivering a successful transaction.”
Stuart Illingworth, Northern Energy managing director said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Kettlewell Fuels, a business that has been built on strong family values like our own. With the existing team we will continue to deliver the same unbeatable service to which Kettlewell Fuels’ customers have become accustomed.. Together, the future looks very exciting.”
Northern Energy’s corporate finance advice was provided by a team led by James White from Brown Butler. Philip Ashworth and Nicole Waldron of Andrew Jackson Solicitors in York provided legal advice to Northern Energy.
Rob Burton, corporate finance partner at Azets, was supported by Richard Weston. David Strachan, partner and Jack Venable of Schofield Sweeney provided legal advice to the Kettlewell Fuels shareholders.
Rob Burton said: “This is a fantastic deal for everyone involved and it is always rewarding to see a strong family business secure its legacy having sold to an ambitious buyer like Northern Energy which is in a fantastic position to take Kettlewell Fuels from strength to strength. This deal demonstrates the vibrant business environment in Yorkshire and the importance of independent family firms, which are the backbone of the Yorkshire economy.”
