MESA, Ariz. — Sun Auto Tire & Service has nearly doubled its retail footprint in the Lone Star State with the acquisition of 33 Caliber Auto Care locations, with points of sale in Dallas (16 outlets), Houston (13) and San Antonio (4).
Financial details were not released.
Sun Auto CEO Tony Puckett told Tire Business that the acquisition presents a "great opportunity to expand one of our strongest markets across the state of Texas. Caliber Auto Care has much in common with Sun Auto Tire & Service, including a strong commitment to delivering an outstanding service experience to every customer, every day and the overall strength of our teams."
According to private-equity owned Sun Auto, Caliber Auto Care is known for its "exceptional facilities and customer satisfaction."
"We're looking forward to building on that solid foundation together while providing our new teammates with additional opportunity," Puckett said.
San Francisco-based Hellman & Freidman L.L.C., a private equity firm, took ownership of the Caliber shops in February 2019 under its ABRA subsidiary. Leonard Green & Partners, majority owner of Sun Auto, previously was a minority shareholder of Caliber.
Sun Auto said it is retaining Caliber's operations lead, Chris Pazderny, as its market direct in Houston. In addition Caliber's five multi-unit managers will transition to district managers for Sun Auto.
"I have seen first-hand the professionalism and people-first culture at Caliber Auto Care, and I couldn't be happier to grow our team in these strategic Texas markets," Sun Auto Chief Operating Officer Chris Ripani said.
Sun Auto said is expects around 450 Caliber Auto Care service and back-office employees to stay with the business under Sun Auto's ownership.
According to terms of the deal, Sun Auto has 12 months to change the business' identity from the Caliber name.
"We are in the process of finalizing our branding plans for these markets," Puckett said.
Sun Auto has 35 other points of sale in Texas.