Document:

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                                                                                                                         Exhibit 4.3
                                                           ABBREVIATIONS

      The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Certificate, shall be construed as follows
according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM         - as tenants in common                       UNIF GIFT/TRANSFERS MIIN ACT-______________ Custodian_________________
TEN ENT         - as tenants by the entireties                                                (Cust)                 (Minor)
JT TEN          - as joint tenants with right of                                         under Uniform Gifts/Transfers to CD Minors
                  survivorship and not as tenants                                        Act_______________________________________
                  in common                                                                                (State)

                             Additional abbreviations, though not in the above list, may also be used.

                                                    ASSIGNMENT OF COMMON UNITS
                                                                IN
                                                           INERGY, L.P.
                                       IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING INVESTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
                                             DUE TO TAX SHELTER STATUS OF INERGY, L.P.

      You have acquired an interest in Inergy, L.P., 1101 Walnut, Suite 1500, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, whose taxpayer
identification number is 43-1918951. The Internal Revenue Service has issued Inergy, L.P. the following tax shelter registration
number: [____________].
      YOU MUST REPORT THIS REGISTRATION NUMBER TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE IF YOU CLAIM ANY DEDUCTION, LOSS, CREDIT OR OTHER TAX
BENEFIT OR REPORT ANY INCOME BY REASON OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN INERGY, L.P.
      You must report the registration number as well as the name and taxpayer identification number of Inergy, L.P. on Form 8271.
FORM 8271 MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE RETURN ON WHICH YOU CLAIM THE DEDUCTION, LOSS, CREDIT OR OTHER TAX BENEFIT OR REPORT ANY INCOME BY
REASON OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN INERGY, L.P.
      If you transfer your interest in Inergy, L.P. to another person, you are required by the Internal Revenue Service to keep a
list containing (a) that person's name, address and taxpayer identification number, (b) the date on which you transferred the
interest and (c) the name, address and tax shelter registration number of Inergy, L.P. If you do not want to keep such a list, you
must (1) send the information specified above to the Partnership, which will keep the list for this tax shelter, and (2) give a copy
of this notice to the person to whom you transfer your interest. Your failure to comply with any of the above-described
responsibilities could result in the imposition of a penalty under Section 6707(b) or 6708(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, unless such failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause.
      ISSUANCE OF A REGISTRATION NUMBER DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THIS INVESTMENT OR THE CLAIMED TAX BENEFITS HAVE BEEN REVIEWED,
EXAMINED OR APPROVED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,______________________________________ hereby assigns, conveys, sells and transfers unto_________________________

       PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
           IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
_____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                     (Please print or typewrite name and address of Assignee)

__________Common Units representing limited partner interests evidenced by this Certificate, subject to the Partnership Agreement,
and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ____________________________________________ as its attorney-in-fact with full
power of substitution to transfer the same on the books of Inergy, L.P.

Date:___________________________________________                 NOTE: The signature to any endorsement hereon must correspond with
                                                                        the name as written upon the face of this Certificate in
                                                                        every particular, without alteration, enlargement or change.

SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A MEMBER FIRM OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION       ________________________________________________
OF SECURITIES DEALERS, INC. OR BY A COMMERCIAL BANK OR TRUST COMPANY                                    (Signature)

__________________________________________________________________________         ________________________________________________
SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED                                                                                 (Signature)

      No transfer of the Common Units evidenced hereby will be registered on the books of the Partnership, unless the Certificate
evidencing the Common Units to be transferred is surrendered for registration or transfer and an Application for Transfer of Common
Units has been executed by a transferee either (a) on the form set forth below or (b) on a separate application that the Partnership
will furnish on request without charge. A transferor of the Common Units shall have no duty to the transferee with respect to
execution of the transfer application in order for such transferee to obtain registration of the transfer of the Common Units.

                                             APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF COMMON UNITS

      The undersigned ("Assignee") hereby applies for transfer to the name of the Assignee of the Common Units evidenced hereby.
      The Assignee (a) requests admission as a Substituted Limited Partner, (b) agrees to comply with and be bound by, and hereby
executes, the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P. (the "Partnership"), as amended, supplemented or
restated to the date hereof (the "Partnership Agreement"), (c) represents and warrants that the Assignee has all right, power and
authority and, if an individual, the capacity to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (d) appoints the Managing General Partner of
the Partnership and, if a Liquidator shall be appointed, the Liquidator of the Partnership as the Assignee's attorney-in-fact to
execute, swear to, acknowledge and file any document, including, without limitation, the Partnership Agreement and any amendment
thereto and the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership and any amendment thereto, necessary or appropriate for the
Assignee's admission as a Substituted Limited Partner and as a party to the Partnership Agreement, (e) gives the powers of attorney
provided for in the Partnership Agreement, and (f) gives the consents and approvals and makes the waivers contained in the
Partnership Agreement. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Partnership Agreement.

Date:______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________                        _________________________________________________
  Social Security or other identifying number of Assignee                                          Signature of Assignee

___________________________________________________________                        _________________________________________________
      Purchase Price including commissions, if any                                              Name and Address of Assignee

Type of Entity (check one):
[ ] Individual                [ ] Partnership            [ ] Corporation
[ ] Trust                     [ ] Other (specify)______________________________________

Nationality (check one):
[ ] U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity
[ ] Foreign Corporation       [ ] Non-resident Alien

          If the U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity box is checked, the following certification must be completed.
          Under Section 1445(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Partnership must withhold tax
with respect to certain transfers of property if a holder of an interest in the Partnership is a foreign person. To inform the
Partnership that no withholding is required with respect to the undersigned interestholder's interest in it, the undersigned hereby
certifies the following (or, if applicable, certifies the following on behalf of the interestholder).
Complete either A or B:
A.    Individual Interestholder
      1.  I am not a non-resident alien for purposes of U.S. Income taxation.
      2.  My U.S. taxpayer identification number (social security number) is _______________________________________________________
      3. My home address is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B.    Partnership, Corporation or other Interestholder
      1. __________________________________________________________________ is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership,
                 (Name of Interestholder)
      foreign trust or foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations).
      2.  The interestholder's U.S. employer identification number is ______________________________________________________________
      3. The interestholder's office address and place of incorporation (if applicable is) _________________________________________

      The interestholder agrees to notify the Partnership within sixty (60) days of the date the interestholder becomes a foreign
person.
      The interestholder understands that this certificate may be disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service by the Partnership and
that any false statement contained herein could be punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.
      Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is
true, correct and complete and, if applicable, I further declare that I have authority to sign this document on behalf of

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                      Name of Interestholder

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                        Signature and Date

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                       Title (if applicable)

      Note: If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing corporation, other nominee holder or an agent of any
of the foregoing, and is holding for the account of any other person, this application should be completed by an officer thereof or,
in the case of a broker or dealer, by a registered representative who is a member of a registered national securities exchange or a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or, in the case of any other nominee holder, a person performing a
similar function. If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing corporation, other nominee owner or an agent of
any of the foregoing, the above certification as to any person for whom the Assignee will hold the Common Units shall be made to the
best of the Assignee's knowledge.

595171 v2
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                                                                                                                         EXHIBIT 4.3
                                                                                                                            SPECIMEN
                                                CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING COMMON UNITS
CERTIFICATE NO.                             REPRESENTING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS IN                               COMMON UNITS
                                                           INERGY, L.P.

     In accordance with Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P., as amended,
supplemented or restated from time to time (the "Partnership Agreement"), Inergy, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the
"Partnership"), hereby certifies that

(the "Holder") is the registered owner of                                  COMMON UNITS

representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the "Common Units") transferable on the books of the Partnership, in
person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed and accompanied by a properly executed
application for transfer of the Common Units represented by this Certificate. The rights, preferences and limitations of the Common
Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Common Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject
to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished
without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 1101 Walnut,
Suite 1500, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the
Partnership Agreement.
     The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited
Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement, (ii) represented and
warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the
Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the powers of attorney provided for in the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and
given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.
     This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and
Registrar.

Dated:                                                                     Inergy, L.P.

                                                                           By:    Inergy GP, LLC
                                                                                  its General Partner

                                                                                  By:______________________________________________
                                                                                          President

                                                                                  By:______________________________________________
                                                                                          Secretary

COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
[Transfer Agent],

     TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

     By:___________________________________________________
                              Authorized Signature

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                            ------------------------

          THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 20th day
of May, 2000 by and among COUNTRY GAS CO., an Illinois corporation (hereinafter
referred to as "SELLER"), LEONARD PETERSOHN, ARLENE PETERSOHN, the EUGENE N.
GARRISON REVOCABLE TRUST, u/t/d September 9, 1999 and the BETTY J. GARRISON
REVOCABLE TRUST, u/t/d September 9, 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the
"Shareholders"), EUGENE N. GARRISON and BETTY J. GARRISON, and Inergy Partners,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as "BUYER").

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

          A.  SELLER desires to sell to BUYER substantially all of the assets of
SELLER related to SELLER's business upon the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth; and

          B.  BUYER desires to acquire such assets from SELLER upon the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth.

                                   AGREEMENT
                                   ---------

          In consideration of the above premises, the mutual agreements herein
contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                             ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
                             ----------------------

          In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the meanings assigned to them herein, unless the
context otherwise dictates, both for purposes of this Agreement and all
Schedules and Exhibits hereto:

          "Accounts Receivable" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.1(c).

          "Adverse Effect" shall mean a single event, occurrence or fact or
related series of events, occurrences or facts having an adverse effect on the
Assets, Business, operations, prospects or financial condition of the Business.

          "Affiliate" shall mean "affiliate" and "associate" as such terms are
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

          "Agreement" or "this Agreement" shall mean this Asset Purchase
Agreement, as amended from time to time by the parties hereto, together with all
Schedules and Exhibits hereto.

          "Assets" shall mean the entire right, title and interest in and to all
of the assets and properties described on Schedule 2.1 hereto, which Schedule
                                          ------------               --------
2.1 specifies the assets and properties that are owned by SELLER.  It is the
---
parties' intent that BUYER acquire all of the assets and properties owned or
used by SELLER in connection with or arising out of the Business of SELLER of
every type and description, tangible and intangible, wherever located
<PAGE>

and whether or not reflected on the books and records of SELLER, but in no event
is BUYER acquiring the Excluded Assets.

          "Assumed Contracts" shall mean the Contracts and Other Agreements set
forth on Schedules 2.1B, 2.1D and Part A of Schedule 2.1F and those of the type
         --------------  ----     ------    -------------
described on Part B of Schedule 2.1F that do not violate any other provisions of
             ------    -------------
this Agreement.

          "Balance Sheet" shall mean the balance sheet of Country Gas Co. dated
May 31, 1999.

          "Balance Sheet Date" shall mean the date of the Balance Sheet.

          "Benefit Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.18
hereof.

          "Business" shall mean the business of (i) marketing and distributing
propane gas; and (ii) selling, servicing and installing parts, appliances and
supplies related thereto on a retail basis.

          "Claim Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.4
hereof.

          "Closing" shall mean the transfer by SELLER to BUYER of SELLER's
Assets and by BUYER to SELLER of the consideration set forth herein and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          "Closing Date" shall be the time of the Closing established pursuant
to Section 4.1 hereof.

          "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          "Contracts and Other Agreements" shall mean all contracts, agreements,
understandings, indentures, notes, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, subleases,
mortgages, franchises, licenses, commitments or binding arrangements, express or
implied, oral or written, whether or not enforceable.

          "Country Enterprises" shall mean Country Enterprises, an Illinois
general partnership of which Leonard Petersohn, Arlene Petersohn and the
Garrison Revocable Living Trust are the partners.

          "Cut-Off Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1
hereof.

          "Damages" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1 hereof.

          "Documents and Other Papers" shall mean and include any document,
agreement, instrument, certificate, notice, consent, affidavit, letter,
telegram, telex, statement, file, computer disk, microfiche or other document in
electronic format, schedule, exhibit or any other paper whatsoever.

          "ERISA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.18 hereof.
<PAGE>

          "Excluded Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2
hereof.

          "Facility" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.21 hereof.

          "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied.

          "Hazardous Substances" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.21 hereof.

          "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976, as amended.

          "Indemnified Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.4
hereof.

          "Indemnifying Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.4
hereof.

          "Knowledge" shall encompass all facts and information which are either
within the actual knowledge of a person or that should have been known to such
person in the exercise of reasonable care and after due inquiry.

          "Lien" shall mean any lien, pledge, claim, charge, security interest
or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.

          "Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b)
hereof.

          "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean with respect to the consequences
of any fact or circumstance (including the occurrence or non-occurrence of any
event) to SELLER, that such fact or circumstance has caused, is causing or will
cause, directly, indirectly or consequentially, singly or in the aggregate with
other facts and circumstances, any Damages in excess of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000); provided that the foregoing shall not include the
consequences of any fact or circumstance attributable to (i) factors generally
affecting the industry in which the Business of SELLER operates, (ii) general
national, regional or local economic or financial conditions, or (iii) changes
in governmental or legislative laws, rules or regulations.

          "Material Contract" shall mean and involve any Contracts and Other
Agreements, if it involves, relates to or affects the Business or the Assets or
both and if any one or more of the following applies:  (i) it involves, or may
reasonably be expected to involve, the payment or receipt of Ten Thousand
Dollars ($10,000) or more (whether in cash or in goods or services of an
equivalent value) over its term, including renewal options, or Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000) during any one year or (ii) it imposes restrictions on the
conduct of the Business, or (iii) it was not made in the ordinary and usual
course of the Business consistent with past practice, or (iv) it is a continuing
contract for the purchase, sale or distribution of materials, supplies,
equipment, products or services, or (v) it burdens, benefits, or imposes
liabilities upon, or otherwise with respect to, any real property owned or
leased by SELLER, or (vi) it is not cancelable on notice of not longer than
thirty (30) days and without liability, penalty or premium, or (vii) the present
or prospective Business is dependent upon it, or (viii) it involves the future
purchase of propane at a fixed price.
<PAGE>

          "Noncompetition Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.2 hereof.

          "Notice Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.4
hereof.

          "Organizational Documents" of an entity shall mean, if a corporation,
its articles of incorporation or certificate of incorporation, as the case may
be, and Bylaws, and if a limited liability company, its certificate of formation
and limited liability company agreement, and any other documents, agreements or
instruments relating to the creation, formation, organization, governance or
ownership of such entity.

          "Parts and Appliances Inventory" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1(b) hereof.

          "Permitted Encumbrances" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.10 hereof.

          "Person" means a natural person, partnership, limited partnership,
corporation, limited liability company, trust, government, government agency and
any other legal entity.

          "Preferred Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in the amendment
to the limited liability company agreement of BUYER referred to in Section 11.4
hereof.

          "Propane Inventory" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)
hereof.

          "Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1
hereof.

          "Real Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.10
hereof.

          "Release" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.22 hereof.

          "Retained Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 5
hereof.

          "Supplemental Information" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
9.11 hereof.

                     ARTICLE 2. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS
                     --------------------------------------

          2.1  Assets.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and
               ------
subject to the representations and warranties made herein and except as
otherwise provided in Section 2.2, at the Closing SELLER shall validly sell,
assign, transfer, grant, bargain, deliver and convey to BUYER (or to one or more
of its designees) the Assets.

          2.2  Excluded Assets.  Anything in Section 2.1 to the contrary
               ---------------
notwithstanding, the assets listed or described on Schedule 2.2 shall not be
                                                   ------------
transferred to BUYER (the "Excluded Assets").
<PAGE>

          2.3  Non-Assignable Contracts.  This Agreement and any document
               ------------------------
delivered hereunder shall not constitute an assignment or an attempted
assignment by SELLER of any right contemplated to be assigned to BUYER
hereunder:

               (a)  Which is not assignable by SELLER without the consent of a
     third party if such consent has not been obtained and such assignment or
     attempted assignment would constitute a breach thereof; or

                (b)  If the remedies for the enforcement or any other particular
     provisions thereof available to SELLER would not pass to BUYER.

SELLER shall use all efforts to obtain such consents of third parties as may be
necessary for the assignment of such right by SELLER.  To the extent that such
right of SELLER is not assignable or where consents to the assignment thereof
cannot be obtained as herein provided, SELLER shall, at the Closing, assign to
BUYER the full benefit thereof (which shall be deemed to be Assets) and, at
BUYER's option, either (i) grant to BUYER an irrevocable power of attorney to
perform SELLER's covenants and obligations under such rights in respect of the
period after the Closing Date, and to enforce SELLER's rights thereunder in the
name of SELLER but for the benefit of BUYER, or (ii) continue to perform its
covenants and obligations under such rights and SELLER shall take or cause to be
taken such action in its name or otherwise as BUYER may require so as to provide
BUYER with the benefits thereof and to effect collection of money or other
consideration to become due and payable under such items and SELLER shall
promptly pay over to BUYER money received by SELLER in respect of all of the
foregoing items.

                           ARTICLE 3. PURCHASE PRICE
                           -------------------------

          3.1  Aggregate Purchase Price.  The aggregate purchase price (the
               ------------------------
"Purchase Price") for the Assets and the Noncompetition Agreements is Seventeen
Million Thirty-six Thousand Dollars ($17,036,000), plus an amount equal to the
sum of the following:

              (a) The inventory of propane gas (i) located in SELLER's bulk
       storage tanks and bobtails on the Closing Date and useable and saleable
       in the ordinary course of the Business of SELLER, the amount of such
       inventory to be based upon a reading from the sight gauge located on such
       bulk storage tanks and bobtails taken jointly by a representative of
       BUYER and a representative of SELLER on or as soon after the Closing Date
       as practicable, but in any event within five (5) days after the Closing
       Date, and priced based upon the lowest wholesale delivered price at which
       SELLER could purchase propane on the Closing Date and (ii) owned by
       SELLER and stored in third party storage facilities, and priced based
       upon the lower of actual cost or market price at such storage facility
       (the "Propane Inventory");

              (b) The inventory of parts and appliances of SELLER on the Closing
       Date usable and saleable in the ordinary course of the Business of
       SELLER, with the amount of such inventory to be based upon a physical
       inventory taken jointly by a representative of BUYER and a representative
       of SELLER on or as soon after the Closing Date as practicable, but in any
       event within thirty (30) days after the Closing
<PAGE>

       Date, and priced based upon the average cost method for inventory
       regularly employed by SELLER in its inventory accounting practices (the
       "Parts and Appliances Inventory");

              (c) Accounts receivable arising from the Business of SELLER and
       owned by SELLER as of the Closing Date that are actually collected within
       one hundred twenty (120) days following the Closing Date (the "Accounts
       Receivable");

              (d) The capital expenditures set forth in Schedule 3.1(d) at the
                                                        ---------------
       total amount shown therein (the "Capital Expenditures");

              (e) The amount of SELLER's propane deposits on account with
       suppliers on the Closing Date on all of SELLER's outstanding contracts
       for the purchase of propane at a fixed price (the "Propane Deposits");
       and

            the Purchase Price shall be decreased by an amount equal to the
       following:

              (y) An amount equal to the sum of the customer deposits held by
       SELLER on the Closing Date as determined from the books and records of
       SELLER on the Closing Date (the "Customer Deposits"); and

              (z) An amount equal to the accrued but unused vacation time and
       sick pay to which employees hired by BUYER will be entitled as of the
       Closing Date determined in accordance with Section 9.15(a) below, but
       only with respect to any employee of SELLER who is employed by BUYER but
       whose employment with BUYER is terminated prior to August 1, 2000 for any
       reason whatsoever.

          3.2 Noncompete Payments. At the Closing on the Closing Date, SELLER,
              -------------------
each of the Shareholders, Eugene Garrison and Betty Garrison will enter into a
noncompetition agreement with BUYER in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto
                                                   ---------
(the "Noncompetition Agreements"), pursuant to which SELLER, the Shareholders,
Eugene Garrison and Betty Garrison will receive a total of $96,000 in
consideration for such noncompetition agreements. SELLER, the Shareholders,
Eugene Garrison and Betty Garrison each hereby agree that such $96,000 is
included in the Purchase Price and will be paid as set forth in such
Noncompetition Agreements.

          3.3 Allocation of Purchase Price. The parties agree to allocate the
              ----------------------------
Purchase Price to the Assets and the Noncompetition Agreements in the manner
provided on Schedule 3.3 hereto.
            ------------

                               ARTICLE 4. CLOSING
                               ------------------

          4.1 Closing Date. The Closing shall take place at such place and time
              ------------
as established by BUYER upon at least three (3) business days advance notice to
SELLER, but in no event later than May 31, 2000, unless the parties agree to a
later date (such time of Closing is herein called the "Closing Date").
<PAGE>

          4.2 Transfer of Assets. At the Closing:
              ------------------

     (a) SELLER shall sell, transfer, assign, grant, bargain, deliver and convey
to BUYER (or one or more of its designees) all right, title and interest in and
to SELLER's Assets, free and clear of any and all Liens. The transactions
contemplated by this Section 4.2(a) shall be effected or evidenced by delivery
by SELLER to BUYER of bills of sale, assignments and other documents of transfer
acceptable in form and substance to BUYER.

     (b) BUYER shall assume the liabilities of SELLER under the Assumed
Contracts to which SELLER is a party and such other liabilities of SELLER as
BUYER may agree in writing to assume prior to the Closing (collectively, the
"Liabilities"). Such assumption of the Liabilities shall be effected or
evidenced by delivery by BUYER to SELLER of an appropriate written instrument or
instruments of assumption and indemnification acceptable in form and substance
to SELLER.

          4.3 Payment of the Purchase Price. Subject to the terms and conditions
              -----------------------------
of this Agreement, BUYER shall pay the Purchase Price, as determined pursuant to
Section 3.1 above, as follows:

     (a) At the Closing, delivering to SELLER, cash in the aggregate amount of
Seven Million Nine Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($7,940,000), plus an amount
equal to the Capital Expenditures as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(d)
above, and minus an amount equal to the Customer Deposits as determined pursuant
to Section 3.1(y) above;

     (b) At the Closing, delivering to SELLER, a Preferred Interest in BUYER
with an initial capital account balance equal, in the aggregate, to Nine Million
Dollars ($9,000,000);

     (c) At the Closing, delivering to SELLER, the Shareholders, Eugene Garrison
and Betty Garrison cash in an aggregate amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars
($60,000) as set forth in the Noncompetition Agreements, and delivering to
Leonard Petersohn the remaining Thirty-six Thousand Dollars ($36,000) in
noncompete payments at the times and in the amounts set forth in his
Noncompetition Agreement;

     (d) At the Closing, assuming the Liabilities and only the Liabilities;

     (e) Thirty (30) days after the Closing, delivering to SELLER, a check in an
amount equal to the sum of (i) the Accounts Receivable of SELLER actually
collected within the thirty (30) days following the Closing Date, (ii) the
Propane Inventory of SELLER as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) above,
(iii) the Parts and Appliances Inventory of SELLER as determined pursuant to
Section 3.1(b) above, and (iv) the Propane Deposits as determined pursuant to
Section 3.1(e) above, less any amounts paid by BUYER during the thirty (30) days
following the Closing Date for amounts owing to employees under Section 3.1(z)
hereof;
<PAGE>

     (f) Sixty (60) days after the Closing, delivering to SELLER, a check in an
amount equal to the Accounts Receivable of SELLER actually collected between
thirty (30) and sixty (60) days following the Closing Date, less any amounts
paid by BUYER between thirty (30) and sixty (60) days following the Closing Date
for amounts owing to employees under Section 3.1(z) hereof;

     (g) Ninety (90) days after the Closing, delivering to SELLER, a check in an
amount equal to the Accounts Receivable of SELLER actually collected between
sixty (60) and ninety (90) days following the Closing Date; and

     (h) One hundred twenty (120) days after the Closing, delivering to SELLER,
a check in an amount equal to the Accounts Receivable of SELLER actually
collected between ninety (90) and one hundred twenty (120) days following the
Closing Date.

          4.4 Sales and Transfer Taxes. SELLER shall be responsible for and
              ------------------------
agrees to pay when due all sales, use and transfer taxes arising out of the
transfer of the Assets by SELLER and the other transactions contemplated
hereunder.

                  ARTICLE 5. LIABILITIES NOT ASSUMED BY BUYER
                  -------------------------------------------

          Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, SELLER
shall be responsible for all of its liabilities and obligations not hereby
expressly assumed by BUYER (the "Retained Liabilities"), and BUYER shall not
assume, or in any way be liable or responsible for, any liabilities or
obligations of SELLER, except the Liabilities.  Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, BUYER shall not assume, or in any way be liable or responsible
for, the following:

     (a) Any liability or obligation of SELLER arising out of or in connection
with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the consummation and
performance of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether or not such
transactions are consummated, including, but not limited to, any tax liability
so arising;

     (b) Any liability or obligation of SELLER with respect to employment or
consulting agreements, pension, profit-sharing, welfare or benefit plans, or
amounts owing for commissions or compensation, termination, severance or other
payments to present or former employees, officers, directors or shareholders of
SELLER;

     (c) Any liability or obligation of SELLER, or any consolidated group of
which SELLER is a member, for any foreign, federal, state, county or local taxes
of any kind or nature, or any interest or penalties thereon, including without
limitation any sales or use tax obligations, applicable to the sale and purchase
of the Business or the Assets as contemplated by this Agreement, it being hereby
agreed by the parties hereto that such obligations shall be paid by SELLER;

     (d) Any liability (other than with respect to the Liabilities) to which any
of the parties may become subject as a result of the fact that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are being effected without compliance with the
<PAGE>

provisions of any Bulk Transfer Law or any similar statute as enacted in any
jurisdiction, domestic or foreign;

          (e) Any liability or obligation under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act, as amended, and the Tax Reform Act of 1986, with respect to
employees of SELLER (whether salary, hourly or otherwise) who are not employed
by BUYER in a position and at a base salary substantially equivalent to such
employee's present position and base salary;

          (f) Any liability with respect to any dispute, claim, complaint or
legal action arising between the shareholders of SELLER or between a shareholder
of SELLER and SELLER, in any way resulting from or claimed to be resulting from
the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise; or

          (g) any and all amounts for accrued and unused vacation time and sick
pay owed to employees for vacation time and sick pay accrued and unused up to
and including March 31, 2000, which amounts shall be paid to, and proof of
payment submitted to BUYER, no later than ten (10) days following the Closing.
All such amounts and any dispute or disputes arising from such accrued and
unused vacation time and sick pay shall be treated as Damages, and shall be
subject to SELLER's indemnity under Article 12 hereof.

      ARTICLE 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND SHAREHOLDERS
      --------------------------------------------------------------------

     For purposes of this Agreement, any matters within the Knowledge of the
officers, directors, employees and shareholders of SELLER shall be imputed and
deemed to be within the Knowledge of SELLER. SELLER and each of the Shareholders
hereby, jointly and severally, represents and warrants to BUYER and agrees both
as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as follows:

     6.1 Corporate Organization. SELLER is a corporation duly organized, validly
         ----------------------
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois, and has
all requisite power and authority to own, operate and lease its Assets and to
conduct its Business as and where such Business is now conducted. SELLER does
not have any subsidiary and does not hold any equity or other ownership interest
in any other entity.

     6.2 Due Qualification. SELLER is duly qualified to do business and is in
         -----------------
good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which the nature of its
Business or of the properties owned or leased by it makes such qualification
necessary. A list of such jurisdictions is attached hereto as Schedule 6.2.
                                                              ------------

     6.3 Authority; Binding Effect. SELLER and each of the Shareholders have the
         -------------------------
right, power, authority, and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and
all other agreements contemplated hereby, to perform the obligations hereunder
and thereunder on its part to be performed and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by SELLER and each
of the Shareholders of this Agreement and all other
<PAGE>

agreements and documents contemplated hereby and the performance by SELLER and
each of the Shareholders of their respective obligations to be performed
hereunder and thereunder have been duly approved by all necessary action, and no
further approvals are required by the officers, directors or shareholders of
SELLER in connection therewith. This Agreement constitutes, and when duly
executed and delivered, all other agreements contemplated hereby will
constitute, the legal, valid, and binding obligations of SELLER and each of the
Shareholders, enforceable against such parties in accordance with its terms,
except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium, or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally and to general equity principles (whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

     6.4 No Creation of Violation, Default, Breach or Encumbrance. The
         --------------------------------------------------------
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by SELLER and each of the
Shareholders does not, and the consummation by such Person of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (i) violate (A) any statute, rule or regulation to
which such Person is subject or (B) any order, writ, injunction, decree,
judgment or ruling of any court, administrative agency or governmental body to
which such Person is subject, (ii) conflict with or violate any provision of the
Organizational Documents of SELLER, or (iii) assuming receipt of the consents
set forth in Schedule 6.4 hereto, require the consent of any Person or result in
             ------------
the breach of or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse
of time or both, would constitute a default) under, violate, conflict with,
breach or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration
of, or to a loss of benefit to which SELLER is entitled, under (A) any mortgage,
indenture, note or other instrument or obligation for the payment of money or
any contract, agreement, lease or license, in each case, to which SELLER is a
party, or (B) any governmental licenses, authorizations, permits, consents or
approvals required for SELLER to own, license or lease and operate its
properties or to conduct its Business as presently conducted by it.

     6.5 No Present Default. Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.5 hereto, all
         ------------------                         ------------
contracts, agreements, leases and licenses to which SELLER is a party are valid
and in full force and effect and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations
of SELLER. Except as disclosed in Schedule 6.5 hereto, SELLER is not in default
                                  ------------
under or in breach of any mortgage, indenture, note or other instrument or
obligation for the payment of money or any contract, agreement, lease or
license, and to the Knowledge of SELLER, no other parties to any such mortgage,
indenture, note, instrument, obligation, contract, agreement, lease or license
is in default thereunder or in breach thereof; no event has occurred which, with
the passage of time or the giving of notice, would constitute such a breach or
default by SELLER or, to the Knowledge of SELLER, by any such other party; no
claim of default thereunder has been asserted or, to the Knowledge of SELLER,
threatened; and neither SELLER nor, to the Knowledge of SELLER, any other party
thereto, is seeking the renegotiation thereof.

     6.6 Approvals, Licenses and Authorizations.
         --------------------------------------

        (a) No (i) order, license, consent, waiver, authorization or approval
of, or (ii) exemption by, or (iii) giving of notice to, or (iv) registration
with or the taking of any other action in respect of, any person not a party to
this Agreement (including any federal, state, local, foreign or other
governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
including, but not limited to, those such entities with
<PAGE>

regulatory, oversight or licensing authority in any way dealing with or touching
upon trucking or the hauling of propane), and no filing, recording, publication
or registration in any public office or any other place, in each case is,
necessary on behalf of SELLER (x) to authorize SELLER's execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement or any other agreement, document or instrument
contemplated hereby to be executed and delivered by SELLER, (y) to authorize the
consummation by SELLER of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or
(z) for the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability with respect to
SELLER of any of the foregoing.

        (b) All licenses, permits, concessions, warrants, franchises and other
governmental authorizations and approvals of all federal, state, local or
foreign governmental or regulatory bodies required or necessary for SELLER to
carry on its Business (including, but not limited to, the business of trucking
or the hauling of propane) as and where presently conducted by it have been duly
obtained and are in full force and effect and are set forth truly, correctly and
completely on Schedule 6.6 hereto. There are no proceedings pending or, to the
              ------------
Knowledge of SELLER, threatened which are likely to result in the revocation,
cancellation or suspension or any material modification of any thereof.

     6.7 Compliance With Law. To the Knowledge of SELLER or the Shareholders,
         -------------------
except as set forth on Schedule 6.7 hereto, SELLER is not in violation of any
                       ------------
statute, law, rule or regulation, or any order, writ, injunction or decree of
any court, administrative agency, governmental body or arbitration tribunal, to
which it or any of the Assets is subject in connection with the operation of the
Business of SELLER.

     6.8 Financial Statements and Source of Revenue.
         ------------------------------------------

        (a) SELLER has delivered to BUYER the balance sheets of SELLER as of the
Balance Sheet Date and as of the date that is one year prior to such Balance
Sheet Date and the related statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash
flows for the fiscal years then ended, and the notes thereto, together with the
report (such report being a review report) of Stampler & Company, P.C.,
independent certified public accountants, thereon and the balance sheet of
SELLER as of November 30, 1999 and the related statements of income,
stockholder's equity and cash flows for the six (6)-month period then ended.

        (b) The financial statements referred to in Section 6.8(a) above fairly
present the financial position, results of operation and cash flows of SELLER as
and at the relevant dates thereof and for the periods covered thereby in
accordance with GAAP except to the extent variations from GAAP are specifically
described on Schedule 6.8(b).
             ---------------

        (c) Except as set forth in the Balance Sheet or in the Schedules hereto,
SELLER has no (i) liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, accrued or
otherwise, of a nature customarily reflected in financial statements in
accordance with GAAP, except those incurred after the Balance Sheet Date in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and except lease and
other contract obligations and other obligations or liabilities which are
disclosed in this Agreement or the Schedules hereto, and (ii)
<PAGE>

liabilities or obligations under any Benefit Plans except those incurred after
the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice and pursuant to the terms of the Benefit Plans described in Schedule
                                                                     --------
6.18(a).
-------

          (d) Schedule 6.8(d) sets forth the source of all of SELLER's revenue
              ---------------
generated by the Assets as a percentage of SELLER's total revenue for the period
May 31, 1998 through May 31, 1999 broken down into the following two (2)
categories: (i) revenues generated from the distribution of propane gas, and
(ii) all other revenues. Except as set forth in Schedule 6.8(d), there have been
                                                ---------------
no decreases in the percentage of SELLER's revenue generated from the
distribution of propane gas since the Balance Sheet Date.

     6.9 Absence of Certain Events. Since the Balance Sheet Date, the Business
         -------------------------
of SELLER has been operated only in the ordinary and normal course of Business.
Since the Balance Sheet Date:

          (a) There has not been any adverse change in the financial condition,
Assets, liabilities, results of operations, Business, prospects or condition,
financial or otherwise, of SELLER and there has been no occurrence, circumstance
or combination thereof which might be expected to result in any such adverse
change thereto before or after the Closing Date;

          (b) There has not been any damage, destruction or loss, whether
covered by insurance or not, adversely affecting the Assets or the Business;

          (c) There has not been any significant increase or decrease in the
compensation payable to or to become payable by SELLER to any of the officers,
key employees or agents of the Business, or change in any insurance, pension or
other beneficial plan, payment or arrangement made to, for or with any of such
officers, key employees or agents or any commission or bonus paid to any of such
officers, key employees or agents other than increases and bonuses in the normal
course of business, consistent with past practices and not exceeding in any one
(1) case an increase and bonus aggregating more than five percent (5%) of such
Person's compensation;

          (d) SELLER has not (i) incurred any obligation or liability or
assumed, guaranteed, endorsed or otherwise become responsible for the
liabilities or obligations of any other person (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise), except normal trade or business obligations incurred
in the ordinary course of business; (ii) discharged or satisfied any Lien or
paid any obligation or liability (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise), other than in the ordinary course of business; (iii) mortgaged,
pledged, created or subjected to a Lien any of the Assets; (iv) sold, assigned,
transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of any of the Assets, except in the
ordinary course of business, or acquired any Assets or any interest therein
except in the ordinary course of business; (v) amended, terminated, waived or
released any rights or canceled any debt owing to or claim by SELLER; (vi)
transferred or granted any rights under any Contracts and Other Agreements,
patents, inventions, trademarks, trade names, service marks or copyrights, or
registrations or licenses thereof or applications therefor,
<PAGE>

or with respect to any know-how or other proprietary or trade rights; (vii)
modified or changed any Material Contracts; or (viii) entered into any
transaction, contract or commitment which by reason of its size or otherwise was
material to the Business of SELLER or financial condition of SELLER or which was
not in the ordinary course of SELLER's Business as now conducted;

          (e) SELLER has not terminated, discontinued, closed or disposed of any
plant, facility or business operation related to the Business of SELLER, except
a lawn care business known as "Turf Treat";

          (f) SELLER has not made any investment of a capital nature affecting
the Business, except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(d); and
                                     ---------------

          (g) There has not been any other event or condition of any character
whatsoever which has had or may have an Adverse Effect on the Business of
SELLER.

     6.10 Title to and Condition of Properties.
          ------------------------------------

          (a) Schedule 2.1A hereto contains a true, correct and complete list of
              -------------
all real property related to the operation of the Business in which SELLER has
any interest, including an accurate and legally sufficient description thereof
and separately identifies all real property SELLER has ever had an interest in.
Schedule 2.1B hereto contains a true, correct and complete list of all leases
-------------
and subleases of real and mixed property related to the operation of the
Business under which SELLER is a lessor or lessee (true, accurate and complete
copies of which have previously been delivered to BUYER). SELLER has good,
marketable and indefeasible fee simple title to all of its real properties,
including but not limited to the real properties in which it has an interest as
described on Schedule 2.1A hereto, and good, marketable and indefeasible title
             -------------
to all the leasehold estates created by the leases and subleases described on
Schedule 2.1B hereto (such real properties and leasehold estates collectively
-------------
referred to herein as the "Real Property"), all free and clear of Liens,
easements, restrictions and reservations except only for those matters set forth
on Schedule 6.10A hereto (such matters hereinafter referred to as "Permitted
   --------------
Encumbrances"). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as to
leasehold estates under the leases and subleases of Real Property, SELLER has
quiet and peaceable possession of each of the leased properties. All leases and
subleases in which SELLER is a lessor or sublessor are in full force and effect,
there is no default or event of default thereunder and the rent thereunder has
not been prepaid for more than a one-month period. SELLER has and upon the
transfer to BUYER as contemplated herein the BUYER has complete rights of
ingress and egress to all of its real properties and to all its leasehold
estates.

          (b) A true, correct and complete list of all propane tanks and
cylinders which are owned or serviced by SELLER and all other personal property
included in the Assets having a fair market or book value per unit in excess of
Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250) is included on Schedule 2.1C and a true,
                                                -------------
correct and complete list of all leases of personal property included in the
Assets under which SELLER is a lessee or lessor involving any propane tank or
cylinder or any other personal property having a fair
<PAGE>

market or book value per unit in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250) is
included on Schedule 2.1D (true, accurate and complete copies of which have
            -------------
previously been delivered to BUYER). All propane tanks used in the Business
which have a capacity of at least one hundred twenty (120) gallons are under
contract to customers or are physically located on the plant lot of one of
SELLER's retail locations. SELLER has good and indefeasible title to (i) all of
the personal property set forth on Schedule 2.1C and indicated as being owned by
                                   -------------
it, (ii) all of the Assets reflected in the financial statements of SELLER, and
(iii) all Assets purported to have been acquired by SELLER after the date of
such final statements, free and clear of all Liens, except for such Assets
disposed of in the usual and ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices, and all of such Assets are in SELLER's possession and control.

          (c) The conduct of the Business of SELLER in the ordinary course is
not dependent upon the right to use the property of others, except under valid
and binding agreements identified on Schedule 6.10B hereto (true, accurate and
                                     --------------
complete copies of which have previously been delivered to BUYER). The Real
Property and the improvements located thereon do not encroach upon the property
of others and there are no encroachments onto the Real Property from the
property of others. The Assets include all utility connections, and the right to
use the same, necessary for the conduct of the Business in the ordinary course
and said utilities are available under public rights of way or easements
benefiting the Real Property.

          (d) SELLER owns or has irrevocable rights to use and is transferring
to BUYER hereunder all assets and property necessary for the conduct of SELLER's
Business in the ordinary course.

          (e) The Assets being transferred by SELLER, including, but not limited
to, the machinery, equipment (including automobiles, trucks and heavy
machinery), furniture and fixtures are in good operating condition and repair
and of an appropriate character suitable for the uses for which intended in the
operation of the Business of SELLER in the ordinary course.

          (f) All inventories of SELLER are of a quality and quantity usable and
salable in the ordinary course of SELLER's Business and in any event are not in
excess of projected requirements over the next twelve (12) months, and the
values at which such inventories are carried on the books of account fairly
represent the value thereof, are not in excess of realizable value, and reflect
the normal inventory valuation policy of SELLER.

          (g) The accounts receivable of SELLER as shown on its books and
records have arisen in the ordinary course of Business, represent valid and
enforceable obligations owed to SELLER and are recorded as accounts receivable
on the books of SELLER in accordance with GAAP and said accounts receivable
(billed and unbilled) of SELLER (net of the reserve amount) will be fully paid
in the ordinary course of Business of SELLER.

     6.11 Intangible Properties.
          ---------------------
<PAGE>

          (a) Schedule 2.1J hereto contains a list of all patents and
              --------------
applications therefor, trademarks, trademark registrations and applications
therefor, trade names, service marks, copyrights, copyright registrations and
applications therefor, both foreign and domestic, owned, possessed, used or held
by or licensed to SELLER and related to the operation of SELLER's Business and
SELLER owns the entire right, title and interest in and to the same, together
with the goodwill associated therewith. SELLER has the right to use and is
transferring to BUYER the unrestricted right to use trade secrets, know-how,
formulae, technical processes and information, manufacturing, testing and
operating techniques and procedures, all engineering data and plans and all
other data and information used by SELLER in its Business or which is necessary
for its Business as now conducted. None of the items in the categories listed in
the preceding sentence of this Section 6.11 are subject to any pending or
threatened challenge or infringement, and no impediment exists as to SELLER's
exclusive ownership and use or validity of any such item. The foregoing
constitutes all information necessary to permit the conduct from and after the
Closing Date of the Business of SELLER, as such Business is and has normally
been conducted. SELLER's trade name and trademark have not been registered with
any governmental authority for the purpose of protecting the same. SELLER has no
patents or copyrights. All licenses granted to SELLER by others which are
essential or useful to any part of SELLER's Business are assignable to BUYER
without consent of or notice to any person, without change in the terms or
provisions thereof and without premium. SELLER has not infringed any unexpired
patent, trademark, trademark registration, trade name, copyright, copyright
registration, trade secret or any other proprietary or intellectual property
right of any party in connection with the operation of its Business. SELLER has
not given any indemnification for patent, trademark, service mark or copyright
infringements.

          (b) Schedule 2.1K hereto contains a list of SELLER's trade secrets
              -------------
related to the operation of its Business.

     6.12 Contracts and Commitments.
          -------------------------

          (a) To the extent not listed on Schedule 2.1B or Schedule 2.1D,
                                          -------------    -------------
Schedule 2.1F hereto lists and briefly describes all Material Contracts related
-------------
to the operation of the Business to which SELLER is a party or by which it or
any of its assets or properties are bound (true and correct copies of each of
which have been previously delivered to BUYER). Each Material Contract (whether
disclosed on Schedule 2.1B, Schedule 2.1D, Schedule 2.1F or otherwise) is in
             -------------  -------------  -------------
full force and effect and embodies the complete understanding between the
parties thereto with respect to the subject matter thereof. Except as expressly
set forth on Schedule 2.1F, (i) there exists no material default or claim
             -------------
thereof by any party to any Material Contract, (ii) there are no facts or
conditions which, if continued or noticed, would result in a default having an
Adverse Effect under any Material Contract, (iii) SELLER has not received any
notice that any person intends to cancel, modify or terminate any Material
Contract, or to exercise or not to exercise any options thereunder, (iv) SELLER
has not given any notice of cancellation, modification or termination of any
Material Contract or of exercise or non-exercise of any options thereunder, (v)
each Material Contract is a valid and binding agreement enforceable in
accordance with its terms and (vi) no consent or approval of the other
<PAGE>

parties to any Material Contract or any person pursuant to any Material Contract
is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein except
as set forth on said Schedule, all of which have been obtained and are in full
force and effect.

          (b) SELLER is not a party to any contract for goods or services or any
lease with any officer, director, shareholder, employee or agent of SELLER or
any Affiliate of any such person.

          (c) No purchase or sale commitments by SELLER are in excess of the
normal, ordinary and usual requirements of the Business; SELLER has no
outstanding power of attorney to any person, firm or corporation for any purpose
whatsoever; SELLER is not restricted by law or agreement from carrying on its
Business anywhere in the world; no officer, director, shareholder or Affiliate
of SELLER has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in SELLER's suppliers
or customers; except as set forth on Schedule 6.12(c) hereto, SELLER grants no
                                     -------------
discounts or rebates to its customers.

          (d) SELLER has not made any other contract or agreement or granted any
option to sell or otherwise transfer all or a significant part of the capital
stock or Assets of SELLER.

          (e) The Customer Deposits (as defined in Section 3.1(e)) are all
amounts owed to customers of SELLER as a result of amounts held by SELLER as a
customer deposit.

     6.13 Insurance. A list of all policies of insurance and bonds of any type
          ---------
presently in force (including without limitation all occurrence based policies
which provide coverage for events occurring in any of the five (5) years prior
to the date hereof) with respect to the Business of SELLER, including, without
limitation, those covering product liability claims and its Assets and
operations, are set forth on Schedule 6.13 hereto. Such policies and bonds (a)
                             -------------
provide coverage in such amounts, and against such losses and risks, as
maintained by comparable businesses exercising prudent business practices to
provide for the protection of the Business and Assets of SELLER, and (b) will be
maintained in effect up to and including the Closing Date. SELLER will use its
best efforts to obtain at BUYER's expense any additional insurance coverage
which BUYER reasonably may request SELLER to carry until and including the
Closing Date. SELLER will at the written request of BUYER cause the policies of
insurance against fire and other casualty to property to be endorsed so as to
include BUYER as a party insured thereunder as its interest may appear.

6.14  Tax Returns and Tax Audits.
      --------------------------

          (a) SELLER has filed with all appropriate governmental agencies all
tax or information returns and tax reports required to be filed. All such
returns and reports as are based on income have been prepared on the same basis
as those of previous years; and all federal, state, foreign and local income,
profits, franchise, sales, use, occupation, property, excise, ad valorem,
                                                              ----------
employment or other taxes of SELLER, and all interest, penalties, assessments or
deficiencies claimed to be due by any such taxing authority with respect to the
foregoing have been fully paid.
<PAGE>

          (b) SELLER has made adequate accruals for the payment of all income,
profits, franchise, property, sales, use, occupation, excise, ad valorem,
                                                              ----------
employment and other taxes payable in respect of the period subsequent to the
last period for which such taxes were paid, and, to the Knowledge of SELLER,
SELLER has no liability for such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or
accruals so made.

          (c) SELLER is not a party to any pending action or proceeding, nor, to
the Knowledge of SELLER, is any action or proceeding threatened or contemplated
by any governmental authority for assessment or collection of taxes or any other
governmental charges, and no claim for assessment or collection of taxes or any
other governmental charges has been asserted against SELLER, nor, to the
Knowledge of SELLER, is the assertion of any such claim pending or contemplated
nor is there any basis for any such claim. To the Knowledge of SELLER, there
have been no reports prepared by any agent of the Internal Revenue Service with
respect to any tax matter involving SELLER.

          (d) SELLER has not and has not been required to file any tax returns
with, or pay any taxes to, any foreign countries or political subdivisions
thereof. SELLER has no powers of attorney in effect with respect to any tax
matters involving it. At no time has a consent been filed by SELLER to have the
provisions of section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply, nor has any agreement under
section 341(f)(3) been filed by SELLER.

          (e) SELLER agrees to provide to BUYER such other tax information with
respect to the Business or the Assets of SELLER as BUYER may reasonably request.

          (f) There are no taxes, fees or governmental charges (including
without limitation sales taxes) payable by SELLER, any Shareholder or BUYER to
any state, city or subdivision of either thereof as a result of the sale of the
Assets to BUYER, other than state and local income taxes and sales taxes on
vehicles transferred pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

     6.15 Books and Records.
          -----------------

          (a) The books, records and accounts of SELLER (i) are in all respects
true, complete and correct, (ii) have been maintained in accordance with good
business practices on a basis consistent with prior years, (iii) stated in
reasonable detail and accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the Assets by SELLER, and (iv) accurately and fairly reflect the
depreciation associated with such Assets.

          (b) SELLER has devised and maintains a system of internal accounting
controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are
executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and
(ii) transactions are recorded as necessary (A) to permit preparation of
financial statements in conformity with GAAP or any other criteria applicable to
such statements, and (B) to maintain accountability for the assets of SELLER.
<PAGE>

     6.16 Substantial Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 6.16 hereto sets forth a
          -----------------------------------  -------------
true and complete list of the fifteen (15) largest suppliers to SELLER (on the
basis of cost) of goods or services purchased during the twelve months ended May
31, 1998 and 1999, as well as the dollar amounts of such goods or services
purchased during such year. Schedule 6.16 hereto also sets forth a true and
                            -------------
complete list of the fifteen largest customers of SELLER (in terms of sales)
during the twelve months ended May 31, 1998 and 1999, as well as the dollar
amounts of such sales during such year. Except to the extent set forth in
Schedule 6.16, (i) since May 31, 1999, no such supplier or customer has ceased
-------------
or reduced its sales to or purchases from SELLER, or given notice of an
intention to cease or reduce such sales or purchases and (ii) neither SELLER nor
any Shareholder has any reason to believe that any such supplier or customer
would likely reduce or cease such sales or purchases as a result of the
transactions contemplated herein or the ownership of the Business by BUYER or
the MLP.

     6.17 No Litigation, Adverse Events or Violations. There is no action, suit,
          -------------------------------------------
claim or legal, administrative, arbitration, condemnation or other proceeding or
governmental investigation or examination or any change in any zoning or
building ordinance affecting any of the Assets, pending or, to the Knowledge of
SELLER, threatened or injunction or orders entered, pending or threatened
against SELLER or any business, properties or assets of SELLER, at law or in
equity, before or by any federal, state, municipal or other governmental
department, court, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign, to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or which, if determined adversely, is
reasonably likely to result in (i) an Adverse Effect or (ii) materially and
adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and there is no state of facts currently existing on which any of the
foregoing might be based. SELLER has not violated and is not currently in
violation of, any applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, ordinance
(including any zoning or building ordinance), regulation, order, requirement,
statute, rule, permit, concession, grant, franchise, license or other
governmental authorization relating or applicable to it, to any of the Assets or
the Business of SELLER.

     6.18 Employee Benefit Plans; Labor Matters.
          -------------------------------------

          (a) Schedule 6.18(a) sets forth a true and complete list of any and
              ----------------
all pension, retirement, savings, disability, medical, dental, health, life
(including any individual life insurance policy as to which SELLER is the owner,
beneficiary or both), death benefit, group insurance, profit sharing, deferred
compensation, stock options or other stock incentive, bonus incentive, vacation
pay, severance or termination pay, employment agreement, "cafeteria" or
"flexible benefit" plan under Section 125 of the Code, or other employee or
director benefit plan, trust, arrangement, contract, agreement, policy or
commitment, whether formal or informal, written or oral, under which employees,
former employees, directors or former directors of SELLER are entitled to
participate by reason of their current or prior employment, or current or former
directorship, with SELLER, including, without limitation, any "employee benefit
plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), (i) to which SELLER is a party or a sponsor or a
fiduciary thereof or (ii) with respect to which SELLER has made payments,
contributions or commitments, or may otherwise have any liability (collectively,
the "Benefit Plans"). With respect to the Benefit Plans, individually and in the
aggregate, SELLER has made available to
<PAGE>

BUYER, a true and correct copy of (a) the most recent annual report (Form 5500)
filed with the IRS, if any, (b) such Benefit Plan, (c) any summary plan
description relating to such Benefit Plan and (d) each trust agreement and group
annuity contract, if any, relating to such Benefit Plan.

          (b) The Benefit Plans have been operated and administered by SELLER in
compliance with all applicable laws relating to employment or labor matters
including ERISA and the Code. With respect to the Benefit Plans, no event has
occurred which would subject SELLER to liability (except liability for benefits,
claims and funding obligations payable in the ordinary course) under ERISA, the
Code, or any other applicable statute, order or governmental rule or regulation.
With respect to the Benefit Plans, individually and in the aggregate, there has
been no prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code which would result in liability to SELLER, and there
has been no action, suit, grievance, arbitration or other claim with respect to
the administration or investment of assets of the Benefit Plans (other than
routine claims for benefits made in the ordinary course of plan administration)
pending, or to the Knowledge of SELLER, threatened.

          (c) All contributions to and payments under any Benefit Plan required
in respect of periods ending on or before the Closing Date have been made by
SELLER before the Closing Date. There is no agreement, contract or understanding
between SELLER, on the one hand, and any employee, participant, labor union,
collective bargaining unit or other person or entity, on the other hand, that
requires or may require any amendment to any of the Benefit Plans.

          (d) Each Benefit Plan that is intended to be tax qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code is tax qualified and each such Benefit Plan has
received, or application has been made for, a favorable determination letter
from the IRS stating that the Plan meets the requirements of the Code and that
any trust or trusts associated with the Plan are tax exempt under Section 501(a)
of the Code. Each Benefit Plan that is funded with a trust that is intended to
be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(9) of the Code is exempt from taxation and
each such trust has received a letter from the IRS stating that the trust meets
the requirements of the Code for tax-exempt status, within the immediately
preceding three-year period.

          (e) Neither SELLER nor any entity which together with SELLER would be
deemed to be a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m)
or (o) of the Code now maintains or contributes to or, within the immediately
preceding three (3) year period, has maintained or contributed to any defined
plan that is (i) a benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(35) of ERISA or
(ii) subject to the requirements of Title IV of ERISA.

          (f) SELLER is not a party to any collective bargaining or other labor
union contract. There is no pending or threatened union organizational effort,
labor dispute, strike or work stoppage relating to employees of SELLER and none
has occurred within the immediately preceding five (5)-year period. Neither
SELLER nor any representative or employee of SELLER has committed any unfair
labor practice in
<PAGE>

connection with the operation of the Business of SELLER, and there is no pending
or threatened charge or complaint against SELLER by the National Labor Relations
Board or any comparable state agency. SELLER is in compliance with all
applicable laws respecting employment, wages, hours, safety and health and other
terms and conditions of employment. SELLER has not experienced a "plant closing"
or "mass layoff" within the meaning of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. (S)(S) 2101 et seq. ("WARN") within the immediately
preceding three (3)-year period.

          (g) There are no written or oral employment agreements, employment
contracts or understandings relating to employment (other than ordinary course
arrangements for "at-will" employment) to which SELLER is a party (excluding any
such agreements, contracts or understandings listed in Schedule 6.18(a) hereto).
                                                       ----------------

          (h) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional acts
or events) result in any payment (whether of severance pay or increase in
compensation, benefits or rights or otherwise) becoming due from SELLER to any
of its employees, former employees, directors or former directors, nor
accelerate the timing of any payment or the vesting of any rights or increase
the amount of any compensation due to any such person. As a direct or indirect
result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, SELLER will
not be obligated to make a payment to any person that would not be deductible as
a result of the application of Section 280G of the Code.

     6.19 Business Names. SELLER does not do business in any state or country
          --------------
under any name other than "Country Gas Co.", "Country Gas Company", "Country Gas
Company, Inc.", or "Budget Propane."

     6.20 Brokers and Finders. No broker or finder has acted for SELLER or any
          -------------------
of the Shareholders in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby; and no broker or finder is entitled to any brokerage or
finder's fee or other commission in respect thereof based in any way on any
agreement, arrangement or understanding made by SELLER or any Shareholder.

     6.21 Environmental.
          -------------

          (a) There has not been, as of the date hereof, any "release" (as
defined in 42 U.S.C. (S)9601(22)) or threat of a "release" of any "hazardous
substances" (as defined in 42 U.S.C. (S)9601(14)) or oil or other petroleum
related products on or about any of the Real Property.

          (b) SELLER has no contract, agreement or otherwise arranged for
disposal or treatment, or arranged with a transporter for transport for disposal
or treatment, of hazardous substances at any "facility" (as defined in 42 U.S.C.
(S) 9601(9)) owned or operated by another Person, except for a contract with
Crystal Lake Leasing for the disposal of vehicle oil.

          (c) SELLER has not accepted any hazardous substances for transport to
disposal or treatment facilities or sites selected by SELLER.
<PAGE>

          (d) To the Knowledge of SELLER and the Shareholders, the Real Property
and the use thereof is in compliance with and SELLER is in compliance with all
applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of any governmental
or quasi-governmental authority (federal, state or local) relating to
environmental protection, underground storage tanks, toxic waste, hazardous
waste, oil or hazardous substance handling, treatment, storage, disposal or
transportation, or arranging therefor, respecting any products or materials
previously or now located, delivered to or in transit to or from the Real
Property, including without limitation the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act,
and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.

          (e) Schedule 6.21 attached hereto is a true, correct and complete list
              -------------
of all hazardous substances and hazardous wastes used or generated by SELLER in
the conduct of the Business since January 1, 1970, and a list of the methods
used by SELLER and any predecessor (including a list of past and present
disposal and reclamation sites) to dispose thereof.

          (f) The past disposal practices relating to hazardous substances and
hazardous wastes of SELLER (and its predecessors, if any) have been accomplished
in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.

          (g) SELLER has not been notified of nor is there any basis for any
potential liability of SELLER with respect to the clean-up of any waste disposal
site or facility. SELLER has no information to the effect that any site at which
SELLER has disposed of hazardous substances or oil has been or is under
investigation by any local, state or federal governmental body, authority or
agency.

          (h) SELLER has not received any notification of releases of hazardous
substances or oil from any governmental or quasi-governmental agency.

     6.22 Disclosure. To the best Knowledge of SELLER and each of the
          ----------
Shareholders, none of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.8 above,
or any representation or warranty or other provision contained herein, or in any
document, schedule or certificate delivered or to be delivered to BUYER in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or any
written statement, certificate or other document furnished to BUYER in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, contains
or will contain any untrue statement of a fact or omits or will omit to state a
fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading.
There is no fact which has not been disclosed in writing to BUYER by SELLER
which would be material to a purchaser of the Assets.

               ARTICLE 7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
               --------------------------------------------------

          BUYER represents and warrants to SELLER and the Shareholders, both as
of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

     7.1 Organization; Documentation. BUYER is a limited liability company duly
         ---------------------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware,
<PAGE>

and has the power and authority and all licenses, authorizations, permits,
consents and approvals required to own, license or lease and operate its
properties and to conduct its business as presently conducted by it.

     7.2 Authority; Binding Effect. BUYER has the power and authority to execute
         -------------------------
and deliver this Agreement and all other agreements contemplated hereby, to
perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by
BUYER of this Agreement and all other agreements and documents contemplated
hereby and the performance by BUYER of all obligations on its part to be
performed hereunder and thereunder have been duly approved by all necessary
action by BUYER, and no further approvals are required by the members of BUYER
in connection therewith. This Agreement constitutes, and when duly executed and
delivered by BUYER, all other agreements contemplated hereby will constitute,
the legal, valid and binding obligation of BUYER, enforceable against BUYER, in
accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or
affecting creditors' rights generally and to general equity principles (whether
such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

     7.3 No Creation of Violation, Default, Breach or Encumbrance. The execution
         --------------------------------------------------------
and delivery by BUYER of this Agreement do not, and the consummation by BUYER of
the transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) conflict with or violate any
provision of the Organizational Documents of BUYER; (ii) assuming receipt of the
consents set forth in Schedule 7.3 hereto, require the consent of any person or
                      ------------
entity or result in the breach of or constitute a default under any contract,
agreement, lease, license, mortgage, indenture, note or other instrument or
obligation to which BUYER is a party, which could adversely affect the ability
of BUYER to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (iii)
violate (A) any statute, rule or regulation to which BUYER is subject or (B) any
order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment or ruling of any court, administrative
agency or governmental body to which BUYER is subject.

     7.4 Brokers and Finders. No broker or finder has acted for BUYER in
         -------------------
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and no
broker or finder is entitled to any brokerage or finder's fee or other
commission in respect thereof based in any way on any agreement, arrangement or
understanding made by BUYER.

     7.5 No Adverse Action. There are no actions, suits, claims or legal,
         -----------------
administrative, arbitration or other proceedings or governmental investigations
or examinations pending or threatened or injunctions or orders entered, pending
or threatened against BUYER or its business, property or assets, at law or in
equity, before or by any federal, state, municipal or other governmental
department, court, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign, to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or to obtain damages which if decided adversely
would adversely affect the ability of BUYER to consummate the transactions
provided for in this Agreement.

     7.6 Approvals, Licenses and Authorizations. No (i) order, license, consent,
         --------------------------------------
waiver, authorization or approval of, or (ii) exemption by, or (iii) giving of
notice to, or (iv) registration with or the taking of any other action in
respect of, any person not a party to this
<PAGE>

Agreement or any federal, state, local, foreign or other governmental
department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality; and no filing,
recording, publication or registration in any public office or any other place
in each case is now, or under existing law in the future will be, necessary on
behalf of BUYER to authorize either the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement or any other agreement, document or instrument contemplated
hereby to be executed and delivered by them and the consummation by them of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or for the legality, validity,
binding effect or enforceability of any thereof.

                   ARTICLE 8. ACCESS TO INFORMATION BY BUYER
                   -----------------------------------------

     8.1 Prior to Closing. Until the Closing, SELLER will furnish BUYER, its
         ----------------
members, officers, employees, accountants, attorneys, representatives and
agents, with all financial, operating, engineering and other data and
information concerning the Business and the Assets of SELLER as BUYER shall from
time to time request and will accord BUYER or its authorized representatives
access to SELLER's Assets, books, records, contracts and documents (including
tax returns filed and those in preparation) and will give such persons the
opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, appropriate
representatives of SELLER with respect to the Business and the Assets of SELLER.
No investigations by BUYER, or its members, employees, accountants, attorneys,
representatives or agents, shall reduce or otherwise affect the obligation or
liability of SELLER with respect to any representations, warranties, covenants
or agreements made herein or in any other certificate, instrument, agreement or
document executed and delivered in connection with this Agreement.

     8.2 Public Information. Except as may be required by law, until the Closing
         ------------------
or termination of this Agreement, SELLER and each Shareholder shall consult with
BUYER and BUYER shall consult with SELLER and/or any Shareholder with respect to
the content of any communications to be made to employees, customers, suppliers
and others having dealings with SELLER as well as communications made to the
public and to the form and content of any application or report to be made to
any judicial or regulatory authority or other governmental authority which
relates to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     8.3 Confidentiality. All information disclosed by any party to this
         ---------------
Agreement to the other party, to the fullest extent reasonably possible, shall
be kept confidential by such receiving party and shall not be used by such
receiving party other than as herein contemplated or required by court order,
except to the extent that such information was known by such receiving party
when received or is or hereafter becomes legally obtainable from other sources
or to the extent such duty as to confidentiality is waived by the other party.
In the event of termination of this Agreement, each party hereto shall use all
reasonable efforts to return, upon request, to the other parties, all documents
(and reproductions thereof) received from such other parties (and in the case of
reproductions, all such reproductions made by the receiving party) that include
information not within the exceptions contained in the first sentence of this
Section 8.3.

                      ARTICLE 9. COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
                      -----------------------------------

     9.1 Actions Pending Closing. From the date hereof to the Closing, except as
         -----------------------
contemplated by this Agreement, SELLER and each Shareholder hereby represents,
warrants,
<PAGE>

covenants and agrees that, unless the prior written consent of BUYER is
obtained, SELLER will not take any action which would result in a violation of
any of the following proscriptions:

          (a) The Business of SELLER will be carried on diligently and in the
usual, regular and ordinary manner and SELLER will use its best efforts to
preserve its present business organization intact, keep available the services
of its present officers and employees and preserve its present relationships
with Persons having business dealings with it, all solely as the same relates to
the Business, and shall not make or institute any methods of manufacture,
purchase, sale, lease, management, accounting or operation in or affecting the
Business which are not usual and customary in the industry and consistent with
SELLER's past practices;

          (b) SELLER will not increase or decrease the compensation payable or
to become payable to any officer or employee, or make any change in any
insurance, pension or other employee benefit plan nor pay any commission or
bonus to any of such officers or employees other than increases and bonuses in
the normal course of business, consistent with past practices and not exceeding
in any one (1) case an aggregate increase and bonus of more than five percent
(5%) of such Person's compensation;

          (c) SELLER will not make any change in its sales, credit or collection
terms and conditions insofar as the same relates to its Business;

          (d) SELLER will not, with respect to its Business, (i) incur any
obligation or liability or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become
responsible for the liabilities or obligations of any other person (whether
absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), except normal trade or business
obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business; (ii) discharge or
satisfy any Lien or pay any obligation or liability (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise), other than in the ordinary course of business; (iii)
mortgage, pledge, create or subject to a Lien any of its Assets; (iv) sell,
assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any of its Assets, except in the
ordinary course of business, or acquire any assets or any interest therein
except in the ordinary course of business; (v) amend, terminate, waive or
release any rights or cancel any debt owing to or claim by SELLER; (vi) transfer
or grant any rights under any Contracts and Other Agreements, patents,
inventions, trademarks, trade names, service marks or copyrights, or
registrations or licenses thereof or applications therefor, or with respect to
any know-how or other proprietary or trade rights; (vii) modify or change any
Material Contracts; or (viii) enter into any transaction, contract or commitment
which by reason of its size or otherwise is material to its Business or
financial condition or which is not in the ordinary course of SELLER's Business
as now conducted;

          (e) All tangible Assets of SELLER will be used, operated, maintained
and repaired in a careful and efficient manner;

          (f) SELLER will not do any act or omit to do any act, or permit any
act or omission to act, which will cause a breach of any Material Contract;
<PAGE>

          (g) SELLER will not make any investment of a capital nature affecting
its Business without the prior written consent of BUYER;

          (h) SELLER will not permit any insurance policy naming it as a
beneficiary or a loss payable payee and relating to its Assets or Business to be
canceled, terminated or modified or any of the coverage thereunder to lapse
unless simultaneously with such termination or cancellation, replacement
policies providing substantially the same coverage are in full force and effect;

          (i) SELLER will not fail to pay when due any of the following insofar
as they relate to its Business: (i) any trade accounts payable, (ii) any
payments required by any indentures, mortgages, financing agreements, loan
agreements or similar agreements or (iii) taxes of whatever kind or nature or
payments related thereto (including, without limitation, estimated payments and
withholding remittances);

          (j) SELLER will not, insofar as the same relates to its Business,
maintain its books, accounts and records in any manner other than the usual,
regular and ordinary manner, on a basis consistent with prior years and in a
business- like manner in accordance with sound commercial practice, and will not
fail to comply with any laws applicable to SELLER and to the conduct of its
Business or to its Assets;

          (k) SELLER will not enter into any transaction or make any agreement
or commitment, and will take all such action or refrain from taking any action,
and will not permit any event to occur, in each case which would result in any
of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement not
being true and correct at and as of the Closing Date.

     9.2 Information. SELLER and the Shareholders will promptly inform BUYER in
         -----------
writing of any litigation commenced against them or any of them in respect of
(a) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) the Assets or
Business of SELLER.

     9.3 Further Assurances. SELLER shall execute and deliver or cause to be
         ------------------
executed and delivered to BUYER such further instruments of transfer, assignment
and conveyance and take such other action as BUYER may reasonably require to
more effectively carry out the transfer of the Assets of SELLER and the
consummation of the matters contemplated by this Agreement and to place BUYER in
a legal position to be assured of the Assets BUYER is acquiring under this
Agreement.

     9.4 Compliance. SELLER and each Shareholder hereby agrees to and shall:
         ----------

          (a) cause all obligations imposed upon SELLER or any Shareholder in
this Agreement to be duly complied with, and cause all conditions precedent to
such obligations to be satisfied prior to the Cut-Off Date;

          (b) obtain any and all consents, waivers, amendments, modifications,
approvals, authorizations, notations and licenses necessary to the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and
<PAGE>

          (c) immediately notify BUYER of the occurrence of any event or the
failure of any event to occur that results in a breach of any representation or
warranty made by SELLER or any Shareholder in this Agreement or a failure by
SELLER or any Shareholder to comply or be able to comply with any covenant,
condition or agreement of such Person contained in this Agreement.

     9.5 Delivery of Corporate Documents. At or prior to the Closing, SELLER
         -------------------------------
shall deliver to BUYER all keys to any improvements located on any of the Real
Property of SELLER, all Documents and Other Papers related to the operation of
the Business or the Assets of SELLER, including without limitation all files
relating to the receivables and payables (whether current or past), original
certificates of letter patent, trademarks and copyrights, and hard copies of any
books or records or Documents and Other Papers or information and data relating
to the operation of the Business or the Assets of SELLER stored on any
electronic media, including computers.

     9.6 U.C.C. Search. Within thirty (30) days after the date hereof Uniform
         -------------
Commercial Code search reports (state and local, personal property and fixture)
with respect to SELLER and any name under which SELLER is doing business, for
all counties and states in which SELLER has any real or personal property or
otherwise maintains a place of business or in which SELLER's Assets are located
shall be provided to BUYER by SELLER.

     9.7 Bulk Transfer Law. The parties hereto each waives compliance by the
         -----------------
others with the provisions of the bulk transfer law of the State of Illinois and
the provisions of any statute of any other state or jurisdiction regulating bulk
sales or transfers which may be applicable to the sale of the Assets. SELLER
agrees that it will, so far as is practicable, apply so much of the Purchase
Price it receives under this Agreement as may be necessary to pay SELLER's
Retained Liabilities which are then known to exist and to be due. SELLER hereby
agrees to indemnify and hold BUYER and its members, officers, employees, agents,
representatives, successors and assigns harmless from and against any and all
losses, claims, damages, expenses and liabilities (including legal fees and
expense) to which BUYER may become subject pursuant to the bulk transfer
provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Illinois or to any
other such bulk transfer or sale statute with regard to the sale of the Assets
contemplated by this Agreement.

     9.8 Officers' Certificates. Any and all representations, warranties and
         ----------------------
written statements made by any officer, director, shareholder, representative or
agent of SELLER to BUYER at or prior to the Closing in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the certificates to be
delivered pursuant to Section 10.3 hereof) shall be deemed to have been made by
SELLER. Any and all representations, warranties and written statements made by
any member, representative or agent of BUYER to SELLER at or prior to the
Closing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(including the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 11.3 hereof) shall be
deemed to have been made by BUYER.

     9.9 Noncompetition Agreements. SELLER, each Shareholder, Eugene Garrison
         -------------------------
and Betty Garrison agree to and shall, at or prior to the Closing, enter into
Noncompetition Agreements pursuant to Section 3.2.
<PAGE>

     9.10 No Shop. SELLER and each Shareholder agree that, from the date hereof
          -------
and until the first to occur of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement
in accordance with Article 15, neither SELLER, it officers and directors, nor
any Shareholder will, and SELLER and each Shareholder will direct and use their
best efforts to cause each of their respective representatives not to, initiate,
solicit, encourage or respond to, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the
making or implementation of any proposal or offer (including any proposal or
offer to the Shareholders) with respect to a merger, acquisition, consolidation
or similar transaction involving, or any purchase of all or any significant
portion of the assets or any equity securities of, SELLER (any such proposal or
offer being an "Acquisition Proposal") or provide any Confidential Information
respecting SELLER or BUYER or any affiliate of BUYER to, or engage in any
activities or have any discussions or negotiations with, any person relating to
an Acquisition Proposal or otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make or
implement an Acquisition Proposal. SELLER and each Shareholder will: (a)
immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities,
discussions or negotiations with any persons conducted heretofore with respect
to any of the foregoing, and each will take the steps necessary to inform such
persons of the obligations undertaken in this Section 9.10; and (b) notify BUYER
immediately if any such inquiries or proposals are received by, any such
information is requested from, or any such discussions or negotiations are
sought to be initiated or continued with, SELLER or any Shareholder.

     9.11 Supplemental Information. SELLER and each Shareholder agree that, with
          ------------------------
respect to the representations and warranties of such party contained in this
Agreement, such party will have the continuing obligation until the Closing to
promptly provide BUYER with such additional supplemental information
(collectively, the "Supplemental Information"), in the form of (a) amendments to
then existing Schedules or (b) additional Schedules, as would be necessary, in
light of the circumstances, conditions, events and states of fact then known to
SELLER or any Shareholder, to make each of those representations and warranties
true and correct as of the Closing. For purposes only of determining whether the
conditions to the obligations of BUYER have been satisfied, the Schedules to
this Agreement as of the Closing Date will be deemed to be the Schedules to this
Agreement as of the date hereof as amended or supplemented by the Supplemental
Information provided to BUYER prior to the Closing pursuant to this Section
9.11; provided, however, that if the Supplemental Information so provided
discloses the existence of circumstances, conditions, events or states of facts
which, in any combination thereof, (i) have had a Material Adverse Effect on
SELLER or, (ii) in the sole judgment of BUYER are having or will have a Material
Adverse Effect on SELLER, BUYER will be entitled to terminate this Agreement by
notice to SELLER; and provided, further, that if BUYER is entitled to terminate
this Agreement as provided in this Section 9.11, but elects not to do so, BUYER
will be entitled to be indemnified for all Damages that are attributable to the
circumstances, conditions, events and states of fact first disclosed in the
Supplemental Information.

     9.12 Additional Financial Statements. SELLER agrees to furnish to BUYER as
           -------------------------------
soon as available and in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of each
month prior to the Closing, an unaudited balance sheet of SELLER as of the end
of such month and the related statements of income or operations, cash flows and
shareholders' or other owners' equity for such month and for the period of
SELLER's fiscal year ended with that month, in each case (i) setting forth in
comparative form the figures for the corresponding portion of SELLER's previous
fiscal
<PAGE>

year and (ii) prepared in accordance with GAAP (x) throughout the periods
indicated (excepting footnotes) and (y) on the same basis as the financial
statements referred to in Section 6.8 were prepared.

     9.13 HSR Act. If BUYER determines that filings pursuant to and under the
          -------
HSR Act are necessary or appropriate in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and advises SELLER in writing of
such determination, SELLER promptly will compile and file (or will cause its
"ultimate parent entity" (as determined for purposes of the HSR Act) to file)
under the HSR Act such information respecting it as the HSR Act requires of an
Entity to be acquired.

     9.14 Leonard Petersohn Consulting Agreement. Leonard Petersohn and BUYER
          --------------------------------------
hereby agree to and shall, at or prior to the Closing, enter into a consulting
agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit F attached hereto (the
                                       ---------
"Consulting Agreement").

     9.15 Employee Matters.
          ----------------

          (a) Schedule 9.15(a) sets forth a list of all salaried and hourly
              ----------------
employees employed by SELLER and such employees' current compensation. Not later
than fifteen (15) days prior to the Closing Date, BUYER shall notify SELLER in
writing of the identity of each employee of SELLER employed in SELLER's Business
to whom BUYER intends to offer employment in a position and at a base salary
substantially equivalent to such employee's present position and base salary.
BUYER has no obligation to offer employment to any employee, but BUYER shall
offer employment to any employee identified in a notice given as provided in the
immediately preceding sentence. Except as set forth in the next sentence, BUYER
shall have no liability for any salary or benefits accrued prior to the Closing
Date. With respect to employees hired by BUYER in substantially equivalent
positions at substantially equivalent salaries, BUYER agrees to afford to such
employees their accrued but unused vacation time and sick pay as of the Closing
Date and an amount equal to such accrued but unused vacation time and sick pay
to which such employees will be entitled shall be deducted from the Purchase
Price to the extent provided in Section 3.1(z) of this Agreement.

          (b) COBRA. SELLER shall be solely responsible for any obligations
              -----
under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended, and the
Tax Reform Act of 1986, with respect to employees of SELLER (whether salary,
hourly or otherwise) who are not employed by BUYER in a position and at a base
salary substantially equivalent to such employee's present position and base
salary.

          (c) Employment-Related Claims. SELLER assumes all liability, costs and
              -------------------------
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) for all existing employment
claims which have been filed by any employee or former employee of SELLER prior
to the Closing Date relating to arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges,
employment discrimination charges, lawsuits, any employment- related tort claim
or other claims or charges of or by employees of SELLER or any thereof filed
after the Closing Date but arising as a result of actions or events or series of
actions or events all or a portion of which occurred prior to the Closing Date.
Schedule 9.15(c) sets forth a brief description
----------------
<PAGE>

of all such claims which have been filed as of the date hereof. SELLER will
promptly describe to BUYER in writing a brief description of any of such claims
which may be filed after the date hereof but on or before the Closing Date.

     9.16 Country Enterprises Leases. The Shareholders agree to cause Country
      --------------------------
Enterprises to, and BUYER agrees to, at or prior to the Closing, enter into the
leases as provided in Exhibit E. The Shareholders hereby represent and warrant
                      ---------
that the following are and at the time of the Closing will be the only partners
of Country Enterprises: Leonard Petersohn, Arlene Petersohn, and the Garrison
Revocable Living Trust. The Shareholders hereby further represent and warrant
that they have the legal ability and power to cause Country Enterprises to enter
into the leases as provided in Exhibit E.
                               ---------

     9.17 Amendment to LLC Agreement. BUYER and SELLER hereby agree to and
          --------------------------
shall, at or prior to the Closing, enter into an amendment to the limited
liability company agreement of BUYER substantially in the form of Exhibit C
                                                                  ---------
attached hereto (the "Amendment to LLC Agreement"), and a put agreement in
substantially the form of Exhibit G attached hereto (the "Put Agreement").
                          ---------

                 ARTICLE 10. CONDITIONS TO BUYER'S OBLIGATION TO
                 -----------------------------------------------
                           CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTION
                           --------------------------

     Each and every obligation of BUYER to be performed at or before the Closing
hereunder is subject, at BUYER's election, to the satisfaction on or prior to
the Closing Date of the conditions set forth below. Notwithstanding the failure
of any one or more of such conditions, BUYER may nevertheless proceed with
Closing without satisfaction, in whole or in part, of any one or more of such
conditions, but which action shall not prejudice BUYER's right to recover
damages for any such failure.

     10.1 Compliance with Agreement. SELLER and each Shareholder shall have
          -------------------------
performed all of their respective obligations and agreements, and complied with
all covenants, warranties and conditions contained in this Agreement which are
required to be performed or complied with by such party on or prior to the
Closing Date.

     10.2 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
          ------------------------------
SELLER and each Shareholder contained in this Agreement shall be true, complete
and correct on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as
though such representations and warranties had been made or given on the Closing
Date.

     10.3 Certificate. SELLER and each Shareholder shall have delivered to BUYER
          -----------
a certificate, dated the Closing Date, in the case of SELLER, signed by its duly
authorized officers to the effect stated in Sections 10.1 and 10.2 hereof.

     10.4 Corporate Authorization. BUYER shall have received a copy of the
          -----------------------
resolutions of the directors and shareholders of SELLER, certified as of the
Closing Date by the secretary or assistant secretary thereof, duly authorizing
the execution, delivery and performance by SELLER of this Agreement and each
other agreement and instrument contemplated hereby, together with an incumbency
certificate as to the persons authorized to execute and deliver such documents
and instruments on its behalf.
<PAGE>

     10.5 Opinion of Counsel. BUYER shall have been furnished with the opinion
          ------------------
of Shaheen, Orr, Griffin & Staat, P.C., counsel to SELLER, dated the Closing
Date and addressed to BUYER, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B
hereto.                                                             ---------

     10.6 Good Standing. SELLER shall have delivered to BUYER certificates
          -------------
issued by appropriate governmental authorities evidencing the good standing of
SELLER as of a date or dates not more than five (5) days prior to the Closing
Date as a corporation of the respective states in which it was organized or
qualified to do business.

     10.7 Noncompetition and Employment Agreements.
          ----------------------------------------

          (a) SELLER, each Shareholder, Eugene Garrison and Betty Garrison shall
have executed and delivered to BUYER a noncompetition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A as required by Section 9.9.
                   ---------

          (b) Gary Komosa and Robert Smith shall have executed and delivered to
BUYER employment agreements in form and substance satisfactory to BUYER.

     10.8 Tax Certificates. SELLER shall have obtained and delivered to BUYER
          ----------------
letters or certificates from the appropriate Illinois state agencies indicating
that all sales, use and employment taxes payable by SELLER on or prior to the
Closing Date have been paid and that there is no lien for unpaid sales, use or
employment taxes on the Assets.

     10.9 Receipt. SELLER and each Shareholder shall have duly executed and
          -------
delivered to BUYER an instrument acknowledging payment of the sums required to
be paid on the Closing Date as specified in Section 4.3 above.

     10.10 Instruments of Transfer. SELLER shall have executed and delivered to
           -----------------------
BUYER such bills of sale, assignments (including specifically assignments of the
leases identified on Schedules 2.1B and 2.1D hereof) and other instruments of
                     --------------     ----
transfer and conveyance (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
counsel for BUYER) as shall be necessary or desirable to vest in BUYER all the
right, title and interest in and to the Assets to be transferred, assigned,
conveyed and delivered to BUYER by such Shareholder hereunder.

     10.11 No Litigation. No party hereto shall be a party to or be threatened
           -------------
with any litigation or administrative proceeding relating to any of such parties
or any of their assets or properties or to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby which in the judgment of BUYER, would affect the
desirability of carrying out this Agreement.

     10.12 Landlord Consents.
           -----------------

          (a) BUYER shall have received consents, executed by the respective
landlords of all Real Property leased or subleased by SELLER, to the effect that
as of the Closing Date such leases are not in default and are valid and
continuing agreements and have not been modified or amended. Each said consent
shall also state that the landlord approves of the assignment of such lease as
part of this Agreement.
<PAGE>

          (b) With respect to any sublease by SELLER, BUYER shall have received
the agreement of the fee owner and any landlord prior to SELLER that,
notwithstanding any default by others it shall be entitled to possession of the
leased premises so long as BUYER performs the obligations under the lease and
that BUYER may cause any default on the part of prior tenants to be cured and in
such event to offset against subsequently accruing rents the amounts so
expended.

     10.13 Third Party Consents. BUYER shall have received the consents (or in
           --------------------
lieu thereof waivers) listed in Schedule 6.4 hereto. All filings with, and
                                ------------
approvals by, third parties required to be made or received by BUYER for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been made or
obtained.

     10.14 No Adverse Event. The Business and the Assets shall not be adversely
           ----------------
affected or threatened to be affected in any way as a result of fire, explosion,
hurricane, earthquake, disaster, accident or other casualty, shortage of any
material supplies, changes in technology, strike or labor disturbance,
obsolescence of product or service, any action or threatened action by the
United States or any other governmental authority, flood, drought, embargo,
riot, civil disturbance, uprising, activity of armed forces, act of God or
public enemy.

     10.15 Proceedings Satisfactory. All proceedings, corporate or other, to be
           ------------------------
taken in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
all documents incident thereto, shall be satisfactory in form and substance to
BUYER.

     10.16 Use of Names. SELLER shall have changed its corporate name and
           ------------
adopted a name that does not include the following words or phrases, or any
derivatives thereof: "Country Gas", "Country Gas Company", "Country Gas Company,
Inc.", "Country Gas Co.", or " Budget Propane".

     10.17 Country Enterprises Leases. Country Enterprises shall have executed
           --------------------------
and delivered to BUYER the leases as provided in Exhibit E.
                                                 ---------

     10.18 Consulting Agreement. Leonard Petersohn shall have executed and
           --------------------
delivered to BUYER the Consulting Agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit F attached hereto, as required by Section 9.14 hereof.
---------

     10.19 Financing. BUYER has obtained a commitment letter (the "Commitment
           ---------
Letter") from Firstar Bank, N.A. (the "Bank") with respect to the financing of
the purchase of the Assets as herein provided, a copy of which has been provided
to SELLER. BUYER shall have entered into a definitive agreement with the Bank
providing for such financing on substantially similar terms and conditions as
are set forth in the Commitment Letter.

                ARTICLE 11. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER
                -----------------------------------------------
                 AND SHAREHOLDERS TO CONSUMMATE THE TRANSACTION
                 ----------------------------------------------

     Each and every obligation of SELLER and each Shareholder to be performed at
or before the Closing hereunder is subject, at such party's election, to the
satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of the conditions set forth below.
Notwithstanding the failure of any one or more of such conditions, SELLER and
the Shareholders may nevertheless proceed with the
<PAGE>

Closing without satisfaction, in whole or in part, of any one or more of such
conditions, but which action shall not prejudice right of SELLER or any
Shareholder to recover damages for any such failure.

     11.1 Compliance With Agreement. BUYER shall have performed all of its
          -------------------------
obligations and agreements and complied with all covenants, warranties and
conditions contained in this Agreement which are required to be performed or
complied with by BUYER on or prior to the Closing Date.

     11.2 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
          ------------------------------
BUYER contained in this Agreement shall be true, complete and correct on and as
of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though such
representations and warranties had been given on the Closing Date.

     11.3 Certificate. BUYER shall have delivered to SELLER and Shareholders a
          -----------
certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by one of its duly authorized
persons to the effect stated in Sections 11.1 and 11.2 hereof.

     11.4 Amendment to LLC Agreement. BUYER shall have executed and delivered to
          --------------------------
SELLER the Amendment to LLC Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto
as Exhibit C and the Put Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as
   ---------
Exhibit G, as required by Section 9.17 hereof.
---------

     11.5 Opinion of Counsel. SELLER shall have been furnished with the opinion
          ------------------
of Stinson, Mag & Fizzell, P.C., counsel to BUYER, dated the Closing Date and
addressed to SELLER, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D hereto.
                                                            ---------

     11.6 Noncompetition Agreements. BUYER shall have executed and delivered to
          -------------------------
SELLER, each Shareholder, Eugene Garrison and Betty Garrison a noncompetition
agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, as required by Section 9.9.
                                         ---------

     11.7 Country Enterprises Leases. BUYER shall have executed and delivered to
          --------------------------
Country Enterprises the leases as provided in Exhibit E.
                                              ---------

                          ARTICLE 12. INDEMNIFICATION
                          ---------------------------

     12.1 SELLER's Indemnity.
          ------------------

          (a) Subject to the provisions of this Article 12, SELLER and the
Shareholders, from and after the Closing Date jointly and severally agree to,
indemnify and hold BUYER and its members, officers, agents, employees,
representatives, successors and assigns, harmless from and against any and all
damage, loss, cost, obligation, claims, demands, assessments, judgments or
liability (whether based on contract, tort, product liability, strict liability
or otherwise), including taxes, and all expenses (including interest, penalties
and attorneys' and accountants' fees and disbursements) (collectively "Damages")
incurred in litigation or otherwise, and any
<PAGE>

investigation relating thereto, by any of the above-named persons, directly or
indirectly, resulting from or in connection with:

                    (i)  Any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure to
     perform any covenant or agreement made or undertaken by SELLER or
     Shareholder in this Agreement or in any other agreement, certificate
     (including the certificate delivered by SELLER in accordance with Section
     10.3 hereof), schedule, exhibit or writing delivered to BUYER pursuant to
     this Agreement;

                    (ii)  The Retained Liabilities;

                    (iii)  All debts, obligations, expenses and liabilities and
     costs incurred arising out of or in connection with any transaction or
     series of transactions, any facts or series of facts existing, or any
     events or series of events all or a portion of which occurred on or prior
     to the Closing Date; and

                    (iv)  Any action, suit, proceeding or claim incident to any
     of the foregoing.

          (b) SELLER and each Shareholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that
should SELLER make any claim or institute any actions, suits or proceedings with
respect to the validity or applicability of this indemnification provision, each
such party shall be responsible for all Damages incurred by BUYER in connection
therewith.

     12.2 BUYER's Indemnity. BUYER, from and after the Closing Date, shall
          -----------------
indemnify and hold SELLER, its officers, agents, the Shareholders and their
respective representatives, successors and assigns harmless from and against any
Damages incurred by SELLER and/or Shareholder resulting from or in connection
with:

          (a) Any misrepresentation, breach of warranty or failure to perform
any covenant or agreement made or undertaken by BUYER in this Agreement or in
any other agreement or certificates delivered by BUYER to SELLER or any
Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement;

          (b) The Liabilities; and

          (c) Any action, suit, proceeding or claim incident to any of the
foregoing.

     12.3 Special Hazardous Substances Indemnity. SELLER and each Shareholder
          --------------------------------------
hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify, protect and hold harmless BUYER and
its members, officers, agents, employees, representatives, successors and
assigns from and against any and all Damages (including without limitation
reimbursement of clean-up costs) directly or indirectly arising from or as a
result of (a) claims, actions or causes of action, including, without
limitation, those involving toxic torts and those seeking reimbursement of
clean-up costs, which arise out of the handling, treatment, storage, disposal or
<PAGE>

transportation or arranging therefor, by SELLER of any pollutant, contaminant or
hazardous substance or toxic substance (including, without limitation, any
constituent thereof) and which handling, treatment, storage, disposal or
transportation or arrangement therefor occurred or began, in whole or in part,
on or prior to the Closing Date, even though such claim, action or cause of
action may be made or filed after the Closing Date, (b) SELLER, by contract,
agreement or otherwise, prior to the Closing, arranging for disposal or
treatment, or arranging with a transporter for transport for disposal or
treatment of any hazardous substance at any facility owned or operated by
another person or entity, (c) SELLER accepting, prior to the Closing, any
hazardous substance for transport to disposal or treatment facilities or sites
selected by SELLER, (d) any "release" (as defined in 42 U.S.C. (S)9601(22)) or
threat of a "release," actual or alleged, of any "hazardous substances" (as
defined in 42 U.S.C. (S)9601(14)) or oil upon, about or into the Real Property
or respecting any products or materials prior to the Closing located upon,
delivered to or in transit to or from the Real Property whether or not such
release or threat of a release occurs as the result of the negligence or
misconduct of SELLER or any third party or otherwise, or (e) any violation,
actual or alleged, of or any other liability under or in connection with any
law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation of any governmental or quasi-
governmental authority, specifically including without limitation the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
of 1986, or any other environmental protection, toxic waste, hazardous waste,
oil, underground storage tank, health, safety or hazardous substance handling,
treatment, storage, disposal or transportation, or arranging therefor, laws,
statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations respecting any products or materials
prior to the Closing located upon, delivered to, transported from or in transit
to or from the Real Property whether or not such violation or alleged violation
occurs as the result of the negligence of misconduct of SELLER or any third
party or otherwise. Furthermore, in the event BUYER is required to clean up any
Real Property as a result of contamination occurring prior to the Closing,
SELLER and each Shareholder hereby agrees to conduct such environmental cleanup
to the full extent required by any regulatory authorities having jurisdiction
over the subject matter thereof.

     12.4 Procedure. All claims for indemnification by a party under this
          ---------
Article 12 (the party claiming indemnification and the party against whom such
claims are asserted being hereinafter called the "Indemnified Party" and the
"Indemnifying Party," respectively) shall be asserted and resolved as follows:

(a)  In the event that any claim or demand for which an Indemnifying Party would
     be liable to an Indemnified Party hereunder is asserted against or sought
     to be collected from such Indemnified Party by a third party, such
     Indemnified Party shall with reasonable promptness give notice (the "Claim
     Notice") to the Indemnifying Party of such claim or demand, specifying the
     nature of and specific basis for such claim or demand and the amount or the
     estimated amount thereof to the extent then feasible (which estimate shall
     not be conclusive of the final amount of such claim and demand).  The
     Indemnifying Party shall not be obligated to indemnify the Indemnified
     Party under this Agreement with respect to any such claim or demand if the
     Indemnified Party fails to notify the Indemnifying Party thereof in
     accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and, as a result of such
     failure, the Indemnifying Party's ability to defend against the claim or
     demand is materially prejudiced. The Indemnifying Party shall have ten (10)
     days from the delivery or mailing of the Claim Notice (the "Notice Period")
     to notify the Indemnified Party (i) whether or not it disputes the
     liability of the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party hereunder with
     respect to such claim or
<PAGE>

     demand, and (ii) whether or not it desires, at the cost and expense of the
     Indemnifying Party, to defend the Indemnified Party against such claim or
     demand; provided, however, that any Indemnified Party is hereby authorized,
     but is not obligated, prior to and during the Notice Period, to file any
     motion, answer or other pleading that it shall deem necessary or
     appropriate to protect its interests or those of the Indemnifying Party. If
     the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within the Notice
     Period that it desires to defend the Indemnified Party against such claim
     or demand, the Indemnifying Party shall, subject to the last sentence of
     this paragraph, have the right to control the defense against the claim by
     all appropriate proceedings and any settlement negotiations, provided that
     to the satisfaction of the Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall
     secure the Indemnified Party against such contested claims by posting a
     bond or otherwise. If the Indemnified Party desires to participate in, but
     not control, any such defense or settlement, it may do so at its sole cost
     and expense. If the Indemnifying Party fails to respond to the Indemnified
     Party within the Notice Period, elects not to defend the Indemnified Party,
     or after electing to defend fails to commence or reasonably pursue such
     defense, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right, but not the
     obligation, to undertake or continue the defense of, and to compromise or
     settle (exercising reasonable business judgment), the claim or other matter
     all on behalf, for the account and at the risk of the Indemnifying Party.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the basis of the proceeding relates to a
     condition of operations which existed or were conducted both prior to and
     after the Closing Date or if the Indemnified Party would be otherwise
     adversely affected as a result of any adverse decision of such proceeding,
     each party shall have the same right to participate at its own expense and
     at its own risk in the proceeding without either party having the right of
     control.

          (b) If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party
     agrees, at the Indemnifying Party's expense, to cooperate with the
     Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any claim or demand which
     the Indemnifying Party elects to contest, or, if appropriate and related to
     the claim in question, in making any counterclaim against the person
     asserting the third party claim or demand, or any cross-complaint against
     any person. No claim as to which indemnification is sought under this
     Agreement may be settled without the consent of the Indemnifying Party.

          (c) If any Indemnified Party should have a claim against the
     Indemnifying Party hereunder which does not involve a claim or demand being
     asserted against or sought to be collected from it by a third party, the
     Indemnified Party shall send a Claim Notice with respect to such claim to
     the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party disputes such claim, such
     dispute shall be resolved by litigation in an appropriate court of
     competent jurisdiction.

        12.5  Costs.  If any legal action or other proceeding is brought for the
              -----
enforcement or interpretation of any of the rights or provisions of this
Agreement (including the indemnification provision), or because of an alleged
dispute, breach, default or misrepresentation in connection with any of the
provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and all other costs and expenses
incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which
it may be entitled.
<PAGE>

     12.6 Time Limitation. Except for claims for indemnification made pursuant
          ---------------
to Section 6.14 or Section 12.3 above, all claims for indemnification pursuant
to this Article 12 shall be barred if Claim Notice therefor has not been made
within three (3) years after the Closing Date.

     12.7 Dollar Threshold. No claim for indemnification pursuant to this
          ----------------
Article 12 shall be made unless and until the aggregate amount of all Damages of
the claimant exceeds $10,000.00.

     12.8 Dollar Limit. The indemnity obligations of SELLER and the Shareholders
          ------------
pursuant to this Article 12 shall be limited to Nine Million Dollars
($9,000,000) in the aggregate.

     12.9 Exclusive Remedy. The remedy of indemnification set forth in this
          ----------------
Article 12 shall be the exclusive remedy of the parties after the Closing Date
for any breach of this Agreement.

       ARTICLE 13. SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND
       ------------------------------------------------------------------
                          WARRANTIES; RIGHT OF OFFSET
                          ---------------------------

     13.1 Survival. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
          --------
made by the parties each to the other in this Agreement or pursuant hereto in
any certificate, instrument or document shall survive the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and may be fully and completely
relied upon by BUYER and by SELLER and the Shareholders, as the case may be,
notwithstanding any investigation heretofore or hereafter made by such party or
on behalf of any of them, and shall not be deemed merged into any instruments or
agreements delivered at Closing.

     13.2 Right of Offset. SELLER has made certain representations and
          ---------------
warranties to BUYER in this Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached
hereto in connection with BUYER's acquisition of the Assets of SELLER. As a
result of such representations, warranties and agreements, there exists the
possibility that SELLER will be liable to BUYER and/or be required to indemnify
BUYER in accordance with this Agreement. Any obligation of BUYER to SELLER, or
to any Shareholder is subject to any such liability or indemnification, and
BUYER may, at its election, offset against any payment required by BUYER
pursuant to this Agreement or the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto an
amount equal to or less than the amount that such party may be liable to BUYER
or may be required to pay BUYER pursuant to such indemnification.

                              ARTICLE 14. EXPENSES
                              --------------------

     Except as otherwise set forth herein, each party agrees to pay, without
right of reimbursement from any other, the costs incurred by such party incident
to the preparation and execution of this Agreement and performance of their
respective obligations hereunder, whether or not the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall be consummated, including, without limitation, the fees
and disbursements of legal counsel, accountants and consultants employed by the
respective parties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
<PAGE>

                            ARTICLE 15. TERMINATION
                            -----------------------

     15.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
          -----------
Closing:

          (a) By agreement of all of the parties hereto;

          (b) By either BUYER or SELLER if the Closing has not taken place on or
before May 31, 2000 (the "Cut-Off Date"); provided that the right to terminate
this Agreement under this Section 15.1(b) hereof shall not be available to any
party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the
cause of, or results in, the failure of the Closing to occur within such period;

          (c) By BUYER pursuant to Section 9.11 hereof;

          (d) By BUYER or SELLER, as the case may be, (i) if any of the
conditions precedent to the performance of the obligations of the party giving
notice of termination shall not have been fulfilled and cannot be fulfilled on
or prior to the Closing and shall not have been waived in writing by such party,
or (ii) if a default shall be made by the other party in observance or in the
due and timely performance of any of the covenants and agreements herein
contained that cannot be cured on or prior to the Closing and shall not have
been waived in writing by such party; or (iii) if there exists an inaccuracy,
failure or breach of a warranty or representation set forth herein or in any
other agreement or instrument executed pursuant hereto which has not been waived
in writing by the party for whose benefit such warranty or representation was
made or given; and

          (e) At the option of BUYER or SELLER, if any action or proceeding
shall have been instituted and remain pending before a court or other
governmental body by any federal, state or local government or agency thereof to
restrain or prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, or if any federal, state or local government or agency thereof shall
have threatened to institute any proceeding before a court or other governmental
body to restrain the consummation of such transactions or to force divestiture,
provided that neither party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement as
provided herein after any such action or notice by any federal, state or local
government or governmental agency or other person shall be withdrawn or settled.

     15.2 No Liability. Except in the event of a termination of this Agreement
          ------------
pursuant to Section 15.1(d) hereof, there shall be no liability on the parties
hereto or any of their respective members, managers, officers, directors,
shareholders or Affiliates as a result thereof under this Agreement. A
termination under Section 15.1(d) hereof shall not prejudice any claim for
damages which any party may have hereunder or in law or in equity as a
consequence of any matter giving rise to a termination of the Agreement under
Section 15.1(d) hereof. BUYER shall have the right to specific performance if
the Agreement is not otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.
<PAGE>

     15.3 Notice. BUYER may exercise its right of termination of this Agreement
          ------
only by delivering written notice to that effect to SELLER, provided that such
notice is received by SELLER prior to the Closing. SELLER may exercise its right
of termination of this Agreement only by delivering written notice to that
effect to BUYER, provided that such notice is received by BUYER prior to the
Closing.

                           ARTICLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS
                           -------------------------

     16.1 Notices. Any notice, request, consent or communication under this
          -------
Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and personally delivered
or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, by a
nationally recognized overnight delivery service, with delivery confirmed,
addressed as follows:

          If to SELLER , the Shareholders or the Garrisons:
          ------------------------------------------------

          Name:                              With Copy To:
          -----                              -------------
          Country Gas Co.                    Shaheen, Orr, Griffin & Staat, P.C.
          4010 Highway 14                    20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2900
          Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014       Chicago, Illinois  60606-3192
          Attn: Leonard Petersohn            Attn:  Lawrence G. Staat

          If to BUYER:
          -----------

          Name:                              With Copy To:
          ----                               ------------
          Inergy Partners, LLC               Stinson, Mag & Fizzell, P.C.
          1101 Walnut, Suite 1500            1201 Walnut, Suite 2800
          Kansas City, Missouri 64106        Kansas City, Missouri 64106
          Attn:  John J. Sherman             Attn: Paul E. McLaughlin

or such other persons and/or addresses as shall be furnished in writing by any
party to the other party, and shall be deemed to have been given only upon its
delivery in accordance with this Section 16.1.

     16.2  Parties in Interest and Assignment.
           ----------------------------------

          (a) This Agreement is binding upon and is for the benefit of the
   parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Except as
   expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is
   intended to confer on any person other than the parties hereto or their
   respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies or obligations or
   liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

          (b) Except as provided in Section 16.2(c) hereof, neither this
   Agreement nor any of the rights or duties of any party hereto may be
   transferred or assigned to any person except by a written agreement executed
   by all of the parties hereto.
<PAGE>

          (c) Notwithstanding the above, BUYER may transfer and assign all or
    any portion of its rights under this Agreement for purposes of or in
    connection with the IPO.

     16.3 Modification. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by
          ------------
a writing signed by an authorized representative of the party against whom
enforcement of the change is sought. No waiver of the performance or breach of,
or default under, any condition or obligation hereof shall be deemed to be a
waiver of any other performance, or breach of, or default under the same or any
other condition or obligation of this Agreement.

     16.4 Waiver. Each party hereto may, by written notice to the other party
          ------
hereto: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other actions of such other party under this Agreement; (b) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations or warranties of such other party contained
in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement; (c)
waive compliance by such other party with any of the conditions or covenants of
the other contained in this Agreement; or (d) waive or modify performance of any
of the obligations of such other party under this Agreement. Except as provided
in the preceding sentence, no action taken by or on behalf of any party,
including without limitation any investigation by or on behalf of such party,
shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of
compliance with any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement.

     16.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between
          ----------------
the parties hereto and there are no agreements, representations or warranties
between the parties other than those set forth or provided herein. All Exhibits
and Schedules called for by this Agreement and delivered to the parties shall be
considered a part hereof with the same force and effect as if the same had been
specifically set forth in this Agreement.

     16.6  Execution in Multiple Originals.  This Agreement may be executed in
           -------------------------------
multiple originals, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     16.7  Headings.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
           --------
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.

     16.8  Invalid Provisions.  If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
           ------------------
illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the
rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be
materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully
severable; (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal,
invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof; and (c)
the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect
and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or
by its severance herefrom.

     16.9  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed,
           -------------
interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware
applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State,
including all matters of enforcement, validity and performance.
<PAGE>

     16.10 Gender. Masculine pronouns used in this Agreement shall be construed
           ------
to include feminine and neuter pronouns, and words in the singular shall include
the plural, unless the context otherwise requires.

     16.11  Exhibits and Schedules.  All of the Exhibits and Schedules attached
            ----------------------
hereto are incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement by this
reference thereto.
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Asset
Purchase Agreement on the date first above written.

                                             COUNTRY GAS CO.
/s/ LEONARD PETERSOHN
---------------------------------            By: /s/ Leonard Petersohn
LEONARD PETERSOHN                              -----------------------------
                                                 Name: Leonard Petersohn
                                                 Title: President

                                                                     "SELLER"
/s/ ARLENE PETERSOHN
--------------------------------
ARLENE PETERSOHN

/s/ Eugene N. Garrison
--------------------------------
Eugene N. Garrison, as Trustee of the
EUGENE N. GARRISON REVOCABLE TRUST,
u/t/d September 9, 1999

/s/ Betty J. Garrison
--------------------------------
Betty J. Garrison, as Trustee of the
BETTY J. GARRISON REVOCABLE TRUST,
u/t/d September 9, 1999

                    "Shareholders"

/s/ EUGENE N. GARRISON
--------------------------------
EUGENE N. GARRISON

/s/ BETTY J. GARRISON
--------------------------------
BETTY J. GARRISON

                                             INERGY PARTNERS, LLC

                                             By: /s/ John J. Sherman
                                                -----------------------------
                                                  Name: John J. Sherman
                                                  Title:   President

                                                            "BUYER"

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