Valor Oil recently acquired Bob Riley Distributing, which does business as Riley Oil.
Valor, based in Owensboro, Kentucky, called the acquisition a significant milestone in its growth within Kentucky oil markets. Riley, based in Lexington and Richmond, is a refined petroleum distribution specialist known for its extensive fleet fueling locations and fuel delivery services, which will integrate seamlessly into Valor Oil’s operations, the company reported.
The merger is expected to enhance Valor’s ability to serve a broader customer base with an expanded range of fuels, additives, lubricants, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) products.
“My family has known the Rileys for generations,” Josh Emmick, Valor president, said in a news release. “It is with great honor that we are able to carry on their legacy in the Greater Lexington market. The move into Lexington gives us a physical presence in Kentucky’s four largest cities and brings our total count to seven bulk plants in Kentucky and the Carolinas. Our cardlock customers will gain access to five fleet fueling locations across Richmond, Lexington, and Nicholasville.
“Valor will bring our full line of lubricants, DEF, additives, and racing fuels into the Richmond bulk plant.”
Valor has been owned and operated by the Emmick family since 1966. The Riley family’s involvement with petroleum dates to 19th-century South Georgia, with the original Rockefeller Standard Oil Trust, and continued thru the 20th century with Standard Oil of Kentucky and Chevron. Their combination positions Valor to capitalize on substantial growth in the Kentucky oil market driven by increased demand for energy and petroleum products, Valor said.
“I have been eyeing this market for over 10 years and knew from the beginning that co-owners Bob Riley and Libby McCarty had the perfect company that could plug in seamlessly to our vision,” Emmick said. “On top of it all, two of our owners are University of Kentucky alumni and very active K Fund members who are ecstatic to be able to offer our services in this market.
“This acquisition aligns with our vision to strengthen our market presence and deliver exceptional service to our customers across Kentucky. Riley Oil’s reputation for excellence and commitment to quality perfectly complements our own values.”