BIG LITTLE STORES, INC.
Press Release
Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Big Little Stores and the Big Little wholesale petroleum division. The acquisition was effective Wednesday, November 8, 2006 when Big Little CEO Bert McCreary and Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. CEO Mike Harrell signed the relevant documents in Dothan, Alabama.
Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc., based in Bainbridge, Georgia, operates the Inland SunStop chain of convenience stores in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Prior to last week’s acquisition, Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. operated 22 convenience stores, 7 dealer operated sites selling Inland branded fuel, and 2 travel centers featuring Subway and Smokehouse BBQ restaurants. The company also has a wholesale petroleum division, a propane division, and its own transport division. On the horizon for early 2007, Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. plans to begin production of the popular renewable fuel, biodiesel, under the name Seminole Biodiesel. The company is family owned and operated by CEO Mike Harrell, eldest son of company founder Jimmy Harrell.
Big Little Stores Inc., based in Enterprise, Alabama, was originally named Curry-McCreary Oil Company. Big Little Stores has sold 19 of its 20 convenience stores to Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc., leaving it with one store in Marianna, Florida. All 19 stores being sold are located in southeastern Alabama. The company also sold its bulk plant in Enterprise which will allow the new owner flexibility in serving its wholesale customers and retail sites.
Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. plans to operate the stores under the Big Little banner for the time being as well as continue to sell Chevron fuel at the sites that have been doing so. Customers can continue to use their E\Z Charge Card until the end of 2006. The new owners are currently contacting credit customers with information on converting their E\Z Charge Card to a new INLAND fuel card to avoid interruption in their service. Both wholesale and retail customers will be pleased to find out that the same friendly, helpful people who have served them in the past will continue to assist them after the acquisition. “We are impressed with the loyalty and professionalism of all the Big Little company employees and we look forward to working with them now that the acquisition is complete,” says company Vice-President of Operations, Aaron Goodman. “We would like to specifically thank Chief Operating Officer Toby Rankin for all his cooperation and assistance in bringing this acquisition to completion. He has been top-notch all the way,” adds Goodman.
Mike Harrell, CEO for Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. adds, “I was excited about this potential acquisition from day one. Bert’s company, with an emphasis on his retail sites, reminded me of how my Dad might have developed stores in today’s market – large sites, prominent diesel offerings, and huge driveways – right up my father’s alley. I’m amazed and impressed at the loyalty displayed by the Big Little employees as evidenced by their long tenure with the company. Bert and Toby obviously know how to operate and create employee and customer loyalty. I can only hope that we can generate the same level of excellence. Thanks to Bert for the opportunity and I can only wish him the absolute best that life has to offer.”
Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. is pleased to add stores with the strong reputation for customer service for which Big Little is known. Both companies pride themselves on their customer service and Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. hopes to continue that tradition. Customers will notice store employees will begin wearing “OCS” buttons – which stands for Outrageous Customer Service – the acquiring company’s motto.
Southwest Georgia Oil Co., Inc. is proud to expand its chain of convenience stores and wholesale fuel sales further into Alabama and looks forward to serving all the loyal customers of the Big Little Stores Inc.
For additional information, please contact Glennie Bench, Vice-President of Finance and Administration, at 229-246-1553.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS REGARDING INLAND,
PLEASE CONTACT THE INLAND HOME OFFICE AT (229) 246-1553
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