AAA N. California buys McLea's Tire & Auto of Sonoma County

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah has acquired McLea's Tire & Automotive Centers in Sonoma County, expanding the club's auto repair business in California to a dozen locations.

McLea's Tire, with five locations in Sonoma County, was founded 1979 by the McLea family — Bill McLea and his sons Les and Rick.

"Many companies have approached us over the years [about selling]," Les McLea said. "As lifelong AAA members and with over 20 years in the AAA Approved Auto Repair program, we know AAA Northern California will continue to put customers and community first."

The McLea family will remain involved in the business as Les's and Rick's sons, Darren, Brandon, and Reece McLea, continue in leadership roles at AAA Northern California, the Walnut Creek-based auto club said.

"We are honored to continue what the McLeas have built over the past four decades," Simon Jones, vice president of auto repair for AAA Northern California, said.

"We are committed to providing trustworthy maintenance and repair McLea's customers have come to expect."

McLea's Tire operates tire and auto centers in Cotati, Petaluma, Santa Rosa (two locations) and Windsor, which are "undergoing a transition" to fall in line with other AAA Auto Repair Centers, the auto club said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

AAA Northern California likely will continue to build its auto repair network through acquisition, a spokesman said, noting that "AAA is known for legendary roadside assistance and now our members and the community can rely on the organization for repairs and maintenance."

In honor of the McLeas' contributions to Sonoma County and the spirit of investing in automotive services, AAA Northern California made a $10,000 contribution to Santa Rosa Junior College's Automotive Technology program.

AAA Northern California has operated auto repair centers since 2013 and has seven locations in operation in the area.