NEWS

Allied Washoe acquired by California fuels firm

By Bill O’Driscoll;

After more than a century under the Madsen family ownership, fuel distributor Allied Washoe Petroleum has been sold to Auburn, Calif.-based Flyers Energy LLC.

Flyers Energy announced the acquisition on Thursday, but while no details on the value of the deal were given, the company said it is part of its broader goal of expansion across the West.

“It is with mixed emotions that we have decided to pass the torch and sell the business,” John Madsen and Mike Cox, co-owners/operators of Reno-based Allied Washoe Petroleum, said in a recent letter to customers. “We believe this is the right time and that Flyers Energy is the right company to carry on our tradition of service excellence. We anticipate no immediate change and a seamless transition.”

Allied Washoe Petroleum started in Reno in 1900, and in a statement Thursday, Cox, Allied CEO, said, “The industry is evolving in a direction that makes it increasingly difficult for small, independent marketers like Allied Washoe to be competitive. We are thrilled to now be a part of the Flyers team and look forward to enhancing the level of service that we can provide to our many loyal customers.”

In a statement, Flyers Energy said all but 10 Allied Washoe employees have accepted positions with the new owner, which also operates two fuel terminals and several bulk lubricant distribution locations in Northern Nevada.

Flyers Energy General Manager Rick Teske said the acquisition of Allied Washoe fits well with his company’s plans to expand into Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Arizona as well.

The company employs 450 to 500 people.

“We are excited to offer our expanded product and service offerings to the Allied Washoe customers, and are pleased to be adding Mike and most of his employees to the Flyers team,” Teske said.

The company said it will begin accepting applications for several positions in Nevada on its website, www.FlyersEnergy.com.