K&M buying Becker wholesale assets

DELPHOS, Ohio (Jan. 24, 2016) — K&M Tire Inc. will expand its wholesale network by buying Great Bend, Kan.-based Becker Tire & Treading Inc.

The transaction is expected to close in February. Financial terms were not disclosed.

With the acquisition, K&M adds a distribution center in Great Bend, Kan., to its existing network of 20 distribution centers that stretches across the Midwest with locations in 12 states — Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

"We are excited about the opportunity to add Becker Tire and its entire team of dedicated employees to the K&M Tire team," Ken Langhals, president and founder of K&M said in a statement.

K&M also noted that it will maintain the wholesale business and that Becker Tire's original retail store in Great Bend and seven other retail outlets and Bandag retread plant will continue operating under "different ownership."

"This is a very exciting time for Becker and we are thrilled to be able to continue serving our customers in Kansas and the surrounding states," Gary Albright, president and CEO of Becker Tire, said.

"With the backing and strength of K&M, this will only enhance and accelerate the growth of the combined business in Kansas and the neighboring states."

K&M has two distribution centers in Kansas already, in Kansas City and Wichita.

Founded in 1970 and based in Delphos, K&M employs around 550 and distributes more than 40 tire brands using a fleet of more than 200 trucks. In addition to tires, the company also supplies tire equipment and accessories to tire dealers.

Becker Tire was started in 1954 by Harold Becker in Great Bend. The dealership employs more than 150 in its various businesses.