KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Pilot Flying J is acquiring Western Petroleum LLC, a Vernal-Utah based fuels transportation company.

Western Petroleum is a market leader in selling and transporting approximately 200 million gallons of fuel and lubricants to the oil and gas drilling, and hydraulic fracturing industries. The company's operations are largely targeted toward the Rocky Mountain states, southern states and the Northern Plains.

"The acquisition of Western Petroleum's operations, and employing Western Petroleum's talented workforce, is a significant complement to an important aspect of our growth strategy," said Pilot Flying J President and CEO Jimmy Haslam. "Western Petroleum's exceptional service mentality has earned [it] a place as a key vendor to some major petroleum and natural gas drilling companies. The company has positioned itself for growth in many of the key geographic regions where hydraulic fracturing and hydrocarbon drilling activities are escalating."

Haslam said Pilot Flying J recognizes the energy services channel as a way to diversify its business while participating in a growth industry. "Pilot Flying J's core operational competencies should be an immediate enhancement to Western Petroleum's growth strategy and financial performance," he said.

In an information sheet provided to Western Petroleum employees, the companies explained that the biggest challenge Western Petroleum has faced is access to sufficient capital to realize the goals it set. This deal with Pilot Flying J allows the company to continue to grow and become an even greater player in the North American exploration and production industry.

Western Petroleum will continue to be a standalone company and operate as a division of Pilot Flying J, with Perry Taylor remaining as the president and CEO of Western Petroleum. In addition, the companies explained that all current staffing will roll over and they will continue to add positions within Western Petroleum as it maps out a more aggressive growth strategy.

All logos and current brand imagining also will remain the same.

"We are extremely excited to become a part of the Pilot Flying J team. They have an excellent reputation in the travel plaza and travel center business," Taylor said. "Their expertise in petroleum transportation and fuel acquisition will allow Western Petroleum to increase its ability to service its existing customers, and quickly and efficiently enter new markets."