Key Points:
- Cetane Associates (“Cetane”), a financial advisory and transaction firm, has appointed Barton Taylor as a Director, effective 1 January 2026.
- Taylor brings over a decade of financial experience in professional services businesses.
- His appointment marks Cetane’s official expansion into the motor fuels and convenience retail sector.
- Taylor previously worked at Corner Capital Partners advising on buy-side and sell-side transactions across the downstream energy value chain.
- He holds an MBA from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
- At Cetane, Taylor will work nationwide with clients, using his transaction experience and industry knowledge to support business owners in valuation and sale processes.
- Barrett Conway, managing director and principal at Cetane, stated that Taylor’s expertise strengthens the firm as it expands into new sectors.
- Cetane’s service offerings include advisory on sales, spin‑offs, acquisitions, valuation and corporate finance assignments for multiple industries.
- Cetane has a history of leadership additions and team expansions, reflecting its growth in financial advisory and M&A services.
Barton (Oxford Daily) January 29, 2026 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) has announced the appointment of Barton Taylor as a Director of its financial advisory team, effective 1 January 2026. This strategic hire underscores the firm’s intention to broaden its advisory services into the motor fuels and convenience retail sectors, leveraging Taylor’s extensive experience in financial advisory roles.
What Does Barton Taylor’s Appointment Mean for Cetane Associates?
As reported by RJ Simon of PMP Magazine, Taylor brings more than ten years of financial experience to Cetane, previously serving at Corner Capital Partners, where he advised clients across the downstream energy value chain, encompassing convenience retail, dealer fuel and lubricant distribution, cardlock operations, commercial fuels and mobile fueling businesses.
His arrival marks a significant milestone for Cetane as it formally extends its advisory footprint into motor fuels and convenience retail — sectors that present both opportunities and complexities in valuation and transactional activity.
At Cetane, Taylor is expected to guide business owners through valuation and sale processes nationwide, combining sector knowledge with extensive transaction experience.
Who Is Barton Taylor and What Is His Background?
Barton Taylor holds an MBA from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Before joining Cetane, Taylor worked with Corner Capital Partners in Texas, where he advised on both buy-side and sell-side transactions across diverse segments of the energy value chain including convenience and commercial fuels.
This blend of education and hands‑on deal experience equips Taylor to contribute meaningfully to Cetane’s growth strategy, particularly as the firm steps into new market verticals.
What Did Cetane’s Leadership Say About the Appointment?
Barrett Conway, managing director and principal of Cetane, commented on Taylor’s hiring, saying: “Barton brings deep transaction experience and a strong understanding of the motor fuels and convenience retail space. His addition strengthens our company as we expand into this sector. We’re excited to have him join the team and look forward to the value he will bring to our clients nationwide.”
This statement highlights Cetane’s positioning towards broader sector expertise beyond its traditional home services segments.
What Is Cetane’s Expertise and Service Portfolio?
Cetane Associates is widely recognised for providing financial advisory services to business owners in industries such as propane, heating oil, pest control, lawn care, landscaping, HVAC and plumbing.
Clients engage Cetane for support in areas including business sales, spin‑offs, acquisitions, and valuation and corporate finance assignments.
The firm has been expanding its internal team over the years to support growth and deal execution, including the addition of directors and analysts across its advisory practices.
How Has Cetane Expanded Its Leadership Team Over Time?
Cetane’s recent history shows a pattern of strategic hires and promotions that strengthen its advisory capabilities:
- In 2024, Cetane added Danny O’Laughlin and Nick Stein as directors, bringing M&A and financing expertise focused on pest control and related sectors.
- As of June 2025, Cetane expanded its M&A team by hiring Jack McMurchie and Taylor Garnett as analysts, enhancing the firm’s transaction execution capacity.
- Previous appointments include leadership figures such as Bob Williamson in 2023, adding decades of experience across home services and pest control transaction advisory.
These additions reflect Cetane’s strategy of deepening in‑house expertise to serve a diversified client base across commercial and residential service sectors.
Why Is This Appointment Significant Now?
Industry observers note that the motor fuels and convenience retail sectors are increasingly important due to evolving consumer behaviours, fuel market dynamics, and consolidation trends. While Cetane’s core advisory strength has traditionally centred on the home services industry, the addition of Taylor signals a shift towards broader transactional support across energy and retail verticals, where specialised expertise in deal structuring and valuation is critical.
This expansion aligns with broader industry M&A trends, where advisory firms are positioning to capitalise on deal activity in both traditional and emerging sectors within energy and retail.
What Can Clients Expect from Cetane Going Forward?
With Barton Taylor onboard, clients can expect enhanced advisory capabilities particularly in areas of:
- Valuation analysis and structuring of sale or acquisition transactions.
- Strategic guidance for motor fuels and convenience retail businesses.
- National support, reflecting Cetane’s commitment to serving business owners across the United States.
This appointment supports Cetane’s vision to continue evolving as a comprehensive financial advisory partner for businesses navigating complex M&A landscapes.
