Tire Discounters acquires Leete Tire in Virginia

CINCINNATI — Tire Discounters has acquired Leete Tire & Auto Center Inc., a Richmond, Va.-based family-owned dealership with six retail stores throughout the central part of the commonwealth.

The acquisition expands Tire Discounters' store network to 183 locations, including 20 in Virginia. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1942 by Ed Leete, Leete Tire is considered one of the longest-standing independent tire and services businesses in Virginia.

Jerry Tatum, owner of Leete Tire since 1976, said agreeing to become part of Tire Discounters was a "natural next step" in the dealership's evolution and commitment to customer service.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to join the Tire Discounters family to ensure that Leete Tire & Auto is positioned for success in the years to come," Tatum, adding that is son Wes Tatum will assume oversight of the Leete business and help lead it forward under Tire Discounters' ownership.

Leete Tire operates retail points of sale in Emporia and Petersburg and four locations in Richmond.

Tire Discounters President and CEO Jamie Ward said Leete Tire's commitment to the communities it operates in was a driving force behind the acquisition.

"When we consider new companies to partner with, we look for those that align with our values. At Tire Discounters, we are always focused on providing an unparalleled customer experience — something that Leete Tire and Auto has been doing for eight decades.

"This as an opportunity to use the resources at our disposal to preserve and improve on that customer experience across the communities that Leete operates in today."

Tire Discounters' other locations in Virginia operate under several different names, including Tire Outfitters (Winchester), Dellinger's (Chesapeake), Bobby's Tire (Franklin), Dyke Tire (Richmond), Eavers (Stuarts Draft and Fishersville), and Thompson Tire (seven locations along interstate 81 from Wytheville to Roanoke).