Serving more than 1.3 million customers in nearly 50 states already, AmeriGas Partners, L.P., the country’s largest propane company, got a little bigger last week. Operating out of its corporate headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, AmeriGas said it recently purchased substantially all of the propane distribution assets of Illinois’ Active Propane Company.

Active Propane is the largest participant in the grill cylinder exchange business in the Chicago area, as well a leader in the forklift cylinder business and serves a number of residential customers.

“Active Propane has been a leader in developing innovative processes related to cylinder delivery, filling and refurbishing,” Eugene V.N. Bissell, chief executive officer of AmeriGas. “We are pleased to add a quality business with talented people to the AmeriGas family.”

AmeriGas said it also acquired three propane distribution outlets from Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. and all of the propane distribution business of Rocky Mountain LP of Greeley, Colorado and Noreika Gas of Jackson, New Jersey.

“These four recently completed acquisitions will add approximately ten million gallons of sales annually. We are committed to grow AmeriGas through the acquisition of successful marketers, through expansion of our national accounts and PPX ® grill cylinder exchange programs and by attracting and retaining new residential and commercial customers nationwide,” concluded Bissell.

Prior to the acquisitions, AmeriGas had more than 650 retail locations across the U.S. The company serves residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and motor fuel customers.