East Bay buys Brandon Tire, grows California market

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — East Bay Tire Co. (EBT) has expanded its reach in northern California with the acquisition of Brandon Tire Supply, a consumer and commercial dealership in San Rafael, Calif.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fairfield-based EBT's market reach now extends into Marin and Sonoma counties north of San Francisco, areas served by family-owned Brandon Tire since 1960. The 15,000 sq.-ft. San Rafael facility will be the company's ninth California site and 15th overall.

"EBT understands the unique and special community role Brandon Tire has established in its six decades in business," East Bay Tire CEO George Pehanick said.

"Conducting business in San Rafael is meaningful to the EBT family because of the long-time friendship we have shared with John Brandon and the Brandon family. John has been a dear friend and mentor for many years."

The location's name will change to East Bay Tire, and it will be staffed with industry veterans from both EBT and Brandon Tire.

EBT said it "will continue delivering on the same values and standard of service Brandon Tire customers have come to know, as these are fundamental cornerstones of EBT's successful business operation. We are delighted to further grow our customer base in Sonoma and Marin Counties," he added.

Brandon Tire Supply opened in 1960 as a BFGoodrich Tire dealership and, with business taking off, moved to a larger facility seven years later, expanding into Sonoma and Napa counties, as well as Contra Costa and Solano counties.

EBT said Brandon Tire has a "momentous reputation for offering top-tier products and automobile services to North Bay communities and businesses."

EBT said the acquisition "confirms" its goal of expanding its footprint regionally throughout northern and central California. The store, it said, will offer alignments, brake service, suspension repair and 24-hour road service.

Founded in 1946 in Oakland, fourth-generation owned EBT, carries a variety of brands, including Alliance, BFGoodrich, Continental, General, Goodyear, Michelin and Toyo along with its proprietary Dawg Pound brand.

EBT also has locations in Arizona and Hawaii.