APPLETON, Wisc. — Less than 20 months after its last major acquisition, tire wholesaler U.S. AutoForce has expanded once again, striking a deal to acquire family-owned Pacific Tire Distributors.
Terms of the deal, which is expected to close Sept. 11, were not disclosed.
Pat Hietpas, president of U.S. AutoForce, called the acquisition of Portland, Ore.-based Pacific Tire "a strategic opportunity" that "will further enhance the products and services our customers' experience in the Northwest."
U.S. AutoForce, a division of U.S. Venture Inc., acquired East Coast tire distributor Max Finkelstein Inc. in January 2022, and in October 2021 bought Treadmaxx Tire Distributors. It's considered the second largest independent wholesaler in the U.S., behind No. 1 American Tire Distributors Inc.
Founded in 2014, Pacific Tire is one of the largest independently owned wholesale tire distributors in the Pacific Northwest, operating four distribution centers.
"In such a competitive landscape, this opportunity allows us to combine the Pacific Tire Distributors and U.S. AutoForce extensive brand inventory and product offerings, while expanding our services in the Pacific Northwest," Hietpas said.
Chris Roberg, president of Pacific Tire Distributors, said it is "important to share the same approach with a family-owned company. The emphasis of a family organization will strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers and was the core driving force in the decision."
Once the transaction closes, U.S. AutoForce will operate 68 distribution centers servicing 47 states, distributing all major tire brands.
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