Foster Energy acquires over six Leadbetter locations in Maine
The company has expanded its retail network into the Greater Bangor region by acquiring several sites operated by the family-owned firm.
H. Foster Energy, a Maine based, family-owned company has acquired six Leadbetter’s locations in the Greater Bangor region. These include outlets located in Broadway, Bangor, Brewer and Bucksport, expanding its footprint across the state.
Foster Energy operates seventeen Freshies convenience stores and delis throughout northern, down east, and central Maine, as well as Tri-City Piazza in Bangor. Additionally, the retailer has six energy companies located in Hampden, Ellsworth, Machias, Lincoln, Penobscot, and Beals, that deliver heating fuels and provide service to residential customers and commercial companies.
“R. H. Foster was founded in Machias, Maine but our family has called the Bangor-region home for over 30 years and to expand our footprint in this region is very special. We have had a long-standing relationship and partnership with Jeff, Tim, and Scott Leadbetter and we are honored that they sold these sites to our family company,” said Katie Foster, Executive Manager at R. H. Foster Energy.
The Leadbetter sites will continue to operate under the brand as Foster works through the transition to Freshies locations. As part of this transition, the firm intends to adopt some of Leadbetter’s practices to improve their overall food program. The Leadbetter’s MiniStop located on Hammond St. is still owned by Scott Leadbetter and the Leadbetter’s location in Orono is owned by Adam Leadbetter. Neither location was part of this transaction.
“My father Ted Leadbetter and I opened the Hammond St. location nearly 30 years ago. Over the years we have added locations and family members to our portfolio, and we have worked very hard to operate our sites and take care of our employees. We are excited to enjoy retirement and to take on new projects,” added Jeff Leadbetter.
Robert H. Foster began delivering heating oil in Machias, Maine in 1959. Today, the company celebrates the third generation of Foster family members working in the business and employs approximately 490 Mainers across the state.
