Cochran Bros. buys JB Clark Oil

Wholesale grocery and convenience store company Cochran Bros. Co. Inc. has announced the purchase of JB Clark Oil Co. 

The sale, which was finalized in April and announced May 22, brings Cochran Bros. workforce up to more than 350 strong. JB Clark’s Neighbors Express stores will be rebranded, bringing the Friendly Gus brand of gas stations and convenience stores to 18. The company now operates in six counties: Baldwin, Jenkins, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski and Wilkinson counties.

The sale includes East Dublin’s iconic Hooks station, one of the last service-style stations remaining in the area, which will retain its name and service model, as well as JB Clark’s fuel wholesale operations, that will also retain the JB Clark name.    

“This is an excellent business deal for our family and our son Bryant, who we know will thrive with this opportunity,” said Bobby Clark, former owner of JB Clark Oil Co., who will remain in a leadership position in the company, in a release detailing the sale. “I will continue to be involved in the operation as we bring a strong wholesale oil presence to the company. Now, combined with their experience in retail, Cochran Bros. will be much stronger going forward.”

Bryant Clark will serve as director of company’s wholesale fuel operations.
In addition to its retail outlets, JB Clark Oil Co. delivers fuel to corporate customers, such as logging or transportation businesses. 

“We appreciate so much Bobby’s trust to allow us to invest in his life’s work and perpetuate the legacy JB Clark Oil Co.,” said Guy Cochran, chairman of the Cochran Bros. Co. 

The Cochran Bros. Co. Inc was founded in 1915 as a wholesale grocery company. Its retail stores were launched in 1979. JB Clark Oil Co. opened its stations about 30 years ago. Its bulk oil facilities are in Sylvania and East Dublin.