SSF Imported Auto Parts To Acquire German Auto Parts Inc.

San Francisco-based SSF Imported Auto Parts signed an agreement with Norcross, Georgia-based German Auto Parts Inc. to acquire substantially all its assets. German Auto Parts Inc., based in an Atlanta suburb, was founded in 1970, and is a leading specialist warehouse distributor for Mercedes and BMW parts with a strong focus on OE brand and quality. SSF currently has six warehouses along the West Coast and will build out GAP’s 50,000-square-foot San Francisco facility into its East coast distribution center.

Betty Shelton, GAP’s owner and CEO, said, ”I believe SSF is the ideal home for GAP to continue delivering exceptional products and services to the Southeastern markets. I have every confidence that the joint team will continue to deliver an exceptional level of quality. And, I expect that SSF will continue to provide the highest level of service to our loyal customers, and a seamless transition for our valued employees, customers and vendors.”

Thomas Beer, SSF’s CEO, commented, ”GAP is in every aspect the perfect partner for us. We have very similar philosophies and can now offer all our European car lines to GAP’s dedicated customer base. Since we are already shipping 40 percent of our volume across the country, the new distribution center will bring us closer to our customers while generating enormous efficiencies. GAP’s team is the best in the market when it comes to Mercedes and BMW and will become an important part of SSF.”

The sale is expected to close early in the new year.

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”