The Kent Cos. has acquired DC Oil Co., Birmingham, Alabama. The strategic move bolsters Kent’s position in the Southeast and marks its entry into its eighth state. The acquisition includes 13 Chevron- and Texaco-branded convenience stores, a fuel transportation fleet and a portfolio of dealer accounts.
The company plans to expand with new stores in Alabama and the other southeastern states in which it now operates.
The company is rebranding the stores to Kent Kwik.
- The Kent Cos. is No. 101 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by size.
“We are thrilled to welcome DC Oil Co. into The Kent family. Our plan to maintain Chevron Texaco fuel ensures a seamless transition for our guests while the rebranding to Kent Kwik represents our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and convenience,” said Bill Kent, the owner of The Kent Cos., Midland, Texas.
“David Collins has a great team and as a long-time friend, I’m honored David would choose us to continue his legacy,” Kent said. “Besides the quality of David’s stores, team members and operation, we are really excited to expand our relationship with Chevron in Alabama and throughout the Southeast.”
With the transaction, The Kent Co.’s total store count now stands at 104 locations. The company also supplies fuel to more than 150 additional dealer sites across six states.
“I could not be more pleased with the sale to The Kent Cos.” said Collins, the owner of DC Oil. “Bill Kent and his team have been extremely professional throughout the entire process. My biggest concern when choosing a buyer was my employees. I am confident now that I made the right decision.”
He added, “I got started in the petroleum business in 1990 as a cashier in a Texaco convenience store. I worked for Texaco for six years and then another six years for a Texaco jobber. I started on my own with one store and then built two more over a five-year period. In 2008, I was able to purchase a small jobbership as we grew our company. In my opinion, we were able to put together one of the best management teams in the industry. Any award, success or growth was a direct result of the hard work of my employees. Today, after 34 years, I have sold a company that I am very proud of. Best of luck to Bill Kent and his company.”
Founded in West Texas by Buck Kent in 1957, The Kent Cos. began as Kent Oil and Kent Distributors and remains a family-owned business. The Kent Cos. are comprised of entities including Kent Kwik Convenience stores, Mr. Payroll Check Cashing, Rustic Café, Huddle House, Baskin Robbins, Kent Car Washes, Kent Lubrication Centers, WesTex Urgent Cares, Prince Signs, Kent Tire Co. and Kent Fuels.
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