TBC converts Hook Tire stores to NTB

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 5, 2016) — TBC Corp. has acquired three former Hook Tire & Service Inc. stores in North Carolina and converted them to its NTB Tire & Service Centers brand.

The stores — eight-bay locations in Charlotte, Huntersville and Waxhaw, N.C. — expand the NTB network in the Tarheel state to 50 locations and overall to more than 480 stores in 26 states.

The store openings follow by just a few months TBC's conversion of 29 Merchant's Tire locations in North and South Carolina to NTB signage.

TBC did not disclose any financial details of the acquisition or conversion. Hook Tire closed its doors March 31.

In a letter posted on Hook Tire's Facebook page, owner Larry Hook said he and his wife Diane were closing the business after 33 year to “transition towards retirement.” Hook Tire was predominantly a Goodyear-affiliated retailer.

“We have made every effort to hand over the reins to a qualified, caring organization with the strong foundation to sustain the quality of service you have come to expect from every Hook Tire location,” Mr. Hook wrote in the letter.

The Hooks have as yet not responded to Tire Business' query for comment.

NTB is planning grand-opening events May 13-15 at Huntersville and May 20-22 at the Charlotte and Waxhaw stores.

Markus Hockenson, TBC's senior vice president of retail operations, indicated the company plans to keep growing in the Carolinas, saying, “We're eager to have the opportunity to continue introducing the communities of North Carolina to the NTB brand.”