LEXINGTON, Ky. — Valvoline Inc. has struck a deal to buy the business assets of Oil Changers Inc., an Ottawa, Ontario-based company with 31 franchised quick-lube centers in Ontario.
The acquisition is expected to be complete during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition will expand Valvoline's network of quick-lube center in Canada to more than 100 and to over 1,250 company-owned and franchised locations across Canada and the U.S.
"One of our key business strategies is to grow and strengthen Valvoline's quick-lube network through organic store expansion and high-quality acquisitions in both core and new markets,…" Valvoline CEO Sam Mitchell said.
Valvoline made its first foray into Canada in July with the purchase of Great Canadian Oil Change Franchising Ltd., a franchise organization with 73 quick-lube stores in five Canadian provinces, primarily in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
"Now, with the acquisition of Oil Changers, we look forward to increasing our scale and brand presence in Canada by broadening our retail footprint in Ontario."
Oil Changers was founded in 1996 by Dan Marin and is now owned by his three children, who operate five locations and plan to remain in the quick lube business as franchisees.
All Oil Changers quick-lube centers will be rebranded as Great Canadian Oil Change.
Tony Puckett, president, Valvoline Quick Lubes, called Oil Changers an "exceptionally well-run operation, with a great base of franchisees and an excellent reputation for customer service in Ontario."
Mr. Puckett added that Valvoline is excited that the Marin family plans to remain in the business and grow their base of five stores.