Firm News

The Business and Real Estate team at Capes Sokol has advised long-standing client, Wallis Companies, on its acquisition of U-Gas Holdings Inc., whose assets include Gigi’s Commissary, 19 U-Gas locations, and 13 Dirt Cheap stores.

“We are thrilled to have played a significant role in helping Wallis Companies expand its portfolio of quality assets,” said John S. Meyer, Jr., shareholder and chair of Capes Sokol’ s Business and Real Estate practice group.

Wallis Companies is a Cuba, Missouri-based regional petroleum distributor and convenience store operator, which has been in business since 1968. The deal which was finalized at the end of September adds to Wallis’s already robust portfolio of 34 convenience stores.

“Our Company is excited to welcome this addition to our family of businesses,” said Lynn Wallis, President and CEO of Wallis.  “Growth is a key component of our success, and we were able to acquire these new assets because of the great team at Wallis and through the expertise and professionalism of the Capes, Sokol team.  John Meyer, Callie Tucker, Brian Sabin and their associates were always available and kept us on target with our timeline and with the necessary documents for the transaction.    Their guidance and ability to provide solutions to any roadblocks made it a pleasure to work with everyone at Capes, Sokol.”

Capes Sokol provided Wallis Companies with comprehensive legal advice with respect to the transaction, including the asset purchase, financing agreements, and due diligence. The acquisition was led by Capes Sokol’ s Business and Real Estate Practice Group, which advises clients on acquisitions, financing and dispositions of businesses and assets, including, real estate.

John Meyer oversaw and coordinated Capes Sokol’s U-Gas merges and acquisitions and finance teams instrumental to the transaction. Members of the Capes Sokol acquisition team were associates, Callie J. Tucker and Sarah J. Luem, and paralegal, Robin L. Steiner. The Capes Sokol finance team included shareholder, Douglas S. Dove, associate, Brian J. Sabin, and counsel, Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir. Additional assistance was provided by paralegal, Amy Murray and law clerks, Alexandra L. Hemphill and Katherine D. Landfried.