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Investment in and Acquisition and Disposition of Businesses
12 Months Ended
Sep. 26, 2020
Business Combination Disposition [Abstract]  
Investment in and Acquisition and Disposition of Businesses

4.

Investment in and Acquisition and Disposition of Businesses

On September 17, 2020, the Operating Partnership purchased a 39% equity stake in Oberon Fuels, Inc. (“Oberon”) based in San Diego, California and also purchased a secured convertible note issued by Oberon.  Oberon, a development-stage producer of low carbon, renewable dimethyl ether (“rDME”) transportation fuel, is focused on the research and development of practical and affordable pathways to zero-emission transportation through its proprietary production process.  Oberon's rDME fuel is a cost-effective, low-carbon, zero-soot alternative to petroleum diesel, and when blended with propane can significantly reduce its carbon intensity.  Pursuant to the agreements between the parties, the Operating Partnership also committed to provide additional funding to support continued development efforts to begin commercializing a rDME/propane blended product.  The equity investment in Oberon is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Pursuant to the Partnership’s strategic growth initiatives, the Operating Partnership acquired the propane assets and operations of various propane retailers in each of the last three fiscal years as summarized below. The purchase price allocations and results of operations of the acquired businesses were not material to the Partnership’s consolidated financial position and statement of operations.

 

Fiscal Year

 

Total consideration (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

$

27,065

 

(2)

2019

 

 

22,850

 

(3)

2018

 

 

16,771

 

(4)

 

 

(1)

Total consideration includes non-compete consideration, which will be paid over the respective non-compete periods subject to compliance with the terms of the respective agreements, and excludes working capital adjustments.

 

 

(2)

Includes the investment in Oberon and two acquisitions of propane retailers located in Georgia and California.

 

 

(3)

Includes three acquisitions of propane retailers located in Texas, Florida and the West Coast.  Total consideration includes the issuance of $1,600 in Common Units.

 

 

(4)

Includes two acquisitions of propane retailers located in Florida and California.

On December 8, 2017, the Operating Partnership sold certain assets and operations in a non-strategic market of its propane segment for $2,800, plus working capital consideration, resulting in a loss of $4,823 that was recognized during the first quarter of fiscal 2018, principally for the allocated goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets associated with this business. The corresponding net assets and results of operations were not material to the Partnership’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.