Telle Tire expands footprint with JBC Tire acquisition

ST. LOUIS — Telle Tire & Auto Centers has acquired JBC Tire Complete Auto Care with two locations in Springfield, Mo., expanding the dealership's footprint to 18 stores throughout Missouri.

Telle is in the process of rebadging two of JBC's three retail stores, one at East Republic Road on Springfield's south side and West Kearney Street on the near north side. A third location, on East Sunshine Street on the city's east side, was closed.

Family-owned JBC Tire, a predominantly Goodyear-oriented dealership, celebrated its 20th anniversary as a business last year. Telle Tire said JBC owner Steve Boswell was ready to retire. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

With the JBC acquisition, the St. Louis-based dealership expands into a new market in Missouri. Telle Tire operates 10 stores in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, one in Jefferson City and five in Kansas City.

Telle Tire's 16 locations ranked it as the 67th largest independent tire retailer in North America, according to the most recent Tire Business ranking.

Telle Tire President and CEO Aaron Telle said the dealership plans to expand throughout the state. The company moved into the Kansas City market in March 2020 with the acquisition of five KC Complete Auto Service stores.

"Telle Tire will continue to be active in the acquisition space in 2021 as it continues to build its footprint and is greatly focused on adding additional locations in the Kansas City market in 2021," according to Mr. Telle, the fourth-generation owner of the 69-year-old dealership.

The company also promoted Marco Gonzalez to president, southwest Missouri operations, overseeing the Springfield business. He previously was president of operations for the Kansas City region.

Meanwhile, Telle Tire said it just completed a $300,000 major renovation of the J&W Automotive location in St. Louis the company acquired last September.

The store will serve as a new prototype design for future stores, Mr. Telle said.