IRVING, Texas -- Heartland Automotive Services Inc., the largest Jiffy Lube franchisee in the U.S., has announced recent acquisitions of multiple entities in the Midwest and West.

In the Minneapolis, Minn., area, Heartland Automotive acquired the assets of Carpenter Lube Centers LLC, increasing the number of Jiffy Lube's in the market to 30. Heartland also purchased the assets of Fish Enterprises LLC in Seattle, Wash., raising the total number of operating sites to 86 in the greater Seattle market. Additionally, the franchisee has purchased stores from Wisconsin Car Care Inc. in the Chicago area, driving its store count to 41 in this market. Heartland owns 450 Jiffy Lube locations in all.

"These recent acquisitions increase our presence in existing markets and are in alignment with the strategic growth plans we have for the company," said Brett Ponton, CEO at Jiffy Lube Heartland. "We are constantly reviewing our footprint and evaluating where we can strengthen our position within each of our markets. We are excited about integrating each of these experienced teams of professionals and welcome them into the Jiffy Lube Heartland family."

All of the teammates across the newly acquired stores were invited to remain in their current positions following the Jiffy Lube/Heartland acquisition. In many instances, Heartland offers the employees new health insurance and retirement benefits not previously available to them, the company noted.

In addition to an intense focus on guest service, the company says it strives to turn consumers into guests for life.