MANCHESTER, Conn. — VIP Tires & Service has added another location in Connecticut, its third in the Nutmeg State, with its acquisition of Tires International in Manchester from owner and operator Dale Carney.
The 10,366 sq.-ft. facility has 16 bays, and it has been in operations for more than 26 years, according to VIP. Carney will transition to be a VIP general manager, while VIP said it has rehired every employee at Tires International.
"As we continue our expansion into Connecticut, John Quirk, VIP's owner, and myself have had our eyes on Dale's operation," Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP, said.
"Dale has built a solid reputation for the place to go to get high quality tires and automotive repair. Dale has supported this community both professionally and personally for decades and gives back to Manchester in many ways."
Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Manchester is a city of 59,000 residents in central Connecticut.
Tires International, which opened in 1999, started with five bays and has grown through the years. It serves as a certified State of Connecticut emissions testing facility.
VIP also purchased the property as part of the acquisition, consisting of nearly two acres and more than 50 parking spaces with close proximity to the off ramp of Interstate 84.
"This is one of the largest and busiest tire and service shops we've seen across New England," Winkeler said. "Dale's team is filled with skilled automotive technicians and highly motivated customer service professionals who are ready to take advantage of all that VIP has to offer. We can't wait to bring the VIP experience to the Manchester community."
With the acquisition, VIP operates 75 New England locations across five states, employing more than 750.
VIP Tires expanded into Connecticut in March 2024 with its purchase of Joe's Tire Shop in Waterbury.
In late November, the dealership opened a store in Barre, Vt., its sixth location in the state. The Barre store formerly housed a Volkswagen-Mazda car dealership.
According to Tire Business data, VIP ranks 25th among retail tire dealerships in North America, based on the number of stores.
