Downeast Energy sells Puffin Stop stores

BRUNSWICK – Downeast Energy is selling its gasoline division including its Puffin Stop convenience stores to Alliance Energy, which owns convenience stores in four states.

The deal affects 23 Puffin Stops employing 200 people, along with 23 wholesale gasoline-distribution arrangements. Family-owned Downeast Energy will retain its heating and building-supply divisions.

Alliance Energy, which is based in Waltham, Mass., operates 125 convenience stores under various names in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. The deal marks its first foray into the Maine market.

The 23 Puffin Stops are in Brunswick, Bath, Rockland, Waterville, Damariscotta, Auburn, North Windham, Augusta, Gray, Kittery, Livermore Falls, Portland, South Portland and Scarborough, and Sanbornville, N.H.