First Reserve, a leading global private equity and infrastructure investment firm, acquired Gas Natural, a holding company operating local natural gas utilities serving approximately 68,000 customers in four states, for $196m. Gregory J. Osborne, Gas Natural's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This agreement validates the strength of our franchise, provides great opportunity for our employees, ensures continuity of management and processes for our regulators, and rewards our shareholders for their commitment. Equally as important, there will not be any change to our organization or operations. In partnering with First Reserve, a long-term investor excited about the opportunity for continued investment, we maintain our strong dedication to providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy to our customers and to expanding the number of customers that have access to our responsive, quality service."