RYE, N.Y. — Greenbriar Equity Group L.P., parent of growing retail tire distributor GB Automotive, has branched into the quick lube segment, acquiring Oil Changer Inc., a leading California-based oil change business doing business as Oil Changers.
Merced, Calif.-based Oil Changers provides fast oil change and related maintenance services to customers in California and Hawaii through its 50 service centers in Callifornia and six in Hawaii. Oil Changers is seeking expansion opportunities across the country, Greenbriar said.
Greenbriar is buying Oil Changers from Trivest Partners L.P. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Oil Changers will continue to be led by CEO Eric Frankenberger and its team of "long-tenured" executives and service center managers, Greenbriar said.
"Oil Changers is one of the few remaining independent providers of scale in the quick-lube industry, a segment of the automotive aftermarket that we see benefiting from organic growth and consolidation tailwinds over the coming years," Greenbriar Managing Director Matt Burke said.
"We were particularly impressed by the company's track record of consistent growth, which is the product of strong leadership and an 'unparalleled reputation' for service excellence with its loyal customer base.
"We look forward to partnering with Eric and the entire management team to further expand the platform."
Mr. Frankenberger added, "From the very first meeting with Greenbriar, it was clear that they are the right partner to help our team take Oil Changers to the next level. Greenbriar understands our business and shares our vision for accelerating growth while maintaining a best-in-class customer experience.
"Our team is incredibly excited to have access to the unique resources and automotive aftermarket expertise that Greenbriar brings to the table."
Automotive entrepreneur Larry Read started Oil Changers in 1984 with a single location in the Bay Area. His vision was to provide a fast and convenient lube and oil experience, getting customers back on the road fast. Oil Changers was one of the first operators to develop the drive-through, stay-in-your-car oil change model.
Greenbriar's GB Automotive business is considered the seventh largest independent tire and auto service dealership in the U.S. with 181 locations operating under a variety of brand names.
