Cetane Associates celebrates 20 years of business

Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) announced it has reached a milestone of twenty years in business as a client-focused M&A advisory firm. During that time, the firm has guided hundreds of business owners through successful transitions, helping them realize the full value of their life’s work.

The beginnings of Cetane Associates

Cetane was built on the belief that owners who have poured their lives into building a company deserve the best options and the ability to retire comfortably after decades of commitment and sacrifice. Steve Abbate created the firm to ensure that owners navigating the most important financial event of their lives have an experienced advocate on their side.

Abbate commented, “Cetane was founded on the principles of helping owners find the right company to transition their business to. It has never been just about the money; it’s about the right fit for the owners, for the employees and for the customers. As Zig Zigler said, ‘You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want. It’s a great feeling to know that for the last twenty years we have helped so many people achieve their goals, and we continue to help more people every year. The company began in the basement of my home in Maryland and has grown to have employees across the country with offices in Houston and Denver. As I neared retirement age, I transitioned my business to Barrett Conway, who I knew would take it to the next level. I have remained with the company as an advisor, and I have had the privilege of seeing the company expand nationally to over twenty-five employees. It’s a great feeling to be helping people and growing a business. Thank you to all our clients for choosing us for the last twenty years!”

Conway continues to carry the torch

Barrett Conway joined Cetane in 2020, bringing analytical expertise, a solid understanding of the M&A industry, and the same care and professionalism that have always been at the heart of the company. He acquired Cetane in 2022, marking not only a leadership transition but a continuation of Cetane’s client-focused philosophy. The Cetane team was thrilled that one of their own would take the helm, ensuring the company’s values continue to guide every client engagement. Under Barrett’s leadership, the firm has expanded into additional service industries, adding experienced professionals in each area to maintain the same high level of expertise.

IMAGE: Barrett Conway (left) and Steve Abbate

Barrett commented in a news release, “I’m incredibly proud to carry forward what Steve built over the past twenty years. Cetane has always been about doing right by our clients, and that commitment remains at the core of everything we do. As we grow, we’re focused on maintaining that same level of trust while expanding our reach and capabilities. We’ve been fortunate to build a team that shares those values, and that alignment is what allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes. Looking ahead, our priority is to continue evolving with the industries we serve while staying true to the principles that have defined Cetane since day one.”

Cetane’s missions

Cetane remains committed to giving back to the communities and industries it serves. The firm supports industry associations, participates in conferences, and has always shared knowledge freely by writing articles in trade publications and through speaking engagements. Cetane is also a proud supporter of the Safe House Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting human trafficking, reflecting their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact beyond the business world.

About Cetane Associates

Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the propane, heating oil, pest control, lawn care, landscaping, HVAC and plumbing and convenience retail industries. Cetane Pest and Lawn Director, Bob Williamson, is a contributor for PMP‘s monthly ‘M&A Update.’ Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs and acquisitions, as well as to perform valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments.