Ward and Smith business attorneys Lee Hodge and Olivia Lewis were recognized for their role as legal counsel to E.J. Pope & Son, Inc. in the recently announced sale of Pope Transport to Petroleum Transport Company, Inc.
The transaction, announced July 1 by Matrix Capital Markets Group, marks the conclusion of the Pope family’s long and storied presence in the petroleum industry. Founded in 1919, the Mt. Olive-based company evolved from a coal-hauling business into a prominent regional petroleum marketer and fuel hauler, operating nearly 50 tractors and 90 trailers across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia in addition to the large "Handy Mart" chain of convenience stores that the company sold in 2021.
Reflecting on the sale, Judson Pope, President of Pope Transport, shared:
“It is a truly bittersweet day for me after a lifetime in our family’s petroleum business. We started the common carrier business in the early 80s with three trucks and three drivers and ended our run with over 50 trucks and 90 drivers. Over the years, our family has been fortunate to work with many wonderful long-term employees and business friends. It is their friendship and those relationships that I am going to miss the most.”
He also expressed appreciation for the advisory team:
“Spencer Cavalier, the Matrix team, and Lee Hodge have been great advisors on both of our business transactions. They worked tirelessly representing our company. I think PTC will continue the family tradition established by the Pope team for many years to come.”
Matrix Capital Markets Group served as the financial advisor for the deal.
Read the full press release here: Matrix Advises on the Sale of Pope Transport.
