Rice Tire acquires CV outlet in Virginia

FREDERICK, Md. — Rice Tire Co has acquired the service center and tire business division of American Fleet Services in Ashland, Va.

The Ashland store becomes Rice's 12th location in Maryland and Virginia, extending the commercial tire dealership's service capabilities along interstate 95, the company said.

American Fleet is a multi-branded commercial truck tire dealer that serviced the Richmond, Va., market. American Fleet is owned by Gene Nuckolls and Ken Collins.

"Their expertise is in hydraulic repair. They ended up in the tire business almost by accident as they were leasing a bay from Ashland Tire and Alignment," a Rice Tire spokesperson said.

"Ashland Tire decided to close their business in 2018 and American Fleet took over at that time. They sold to us because they wanted to concentrate on their hydraulic repair business."

Rice Tire bought all the tire assets and the physical location, which reopened as Rice Tire on Dec. 20. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The new location will be run by Store Manager John Brookins and overseen by Regional Manager Mike Anderson.

Rice Tire, the 27th largest independent commercial tire dealership in the U.S. based on 2020 sales, also operates two Goodyear Authorized Retread plants.

Rice Tire is a member of the Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Network, specializing in tire service for long haul, regional, construction and off-the-road vehicle fleets.

In addition to Goodyear, Rice Tire sells Michelin, Continental, General, Falken, Galaxy, and other specialty brands.