Bridgestone Americas has announced it will acquire TireConnect Systems, a software company that supports tire dealers and distributors in North America (primarily Canada) with a turn-key, online tire sales tool featuring e-commerce capabilities. The acquisition, which is expected to close within 30 days of this announcement, will allow Bridgestone, its dealer network and distributors to better meet the needs of today’s digitally minded consumers by providing a simple and fully integrated tire buying experience from online to in-store, the company says.
“At Bridgestone, we constantly look for new ways to grow our business, while also empowering and growing the businesses of our dealers,” said John Baratta, president, consumer replacement, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “As the world’s largest tire and rubber company, we know that we need to be active and aggressive in the increasingly digital marketplace. The acquisition of TireConnect will allow Bridgestone to create a direct path to online tire buying that collectively benefits our dealers, distributors and consumers.”
The TireConnect software tool allows dealers to get full credit for online tire sales, while also remaining in control of their inventory, pricing and labor/installation costs. A “plug-and-play” solution, the TireConnect tool works with Bridgestone dealers’ current websites, providing a seamless research and purchasing experience between consumers and their preferred local dealers, the company says. The tool also improves efficiency, saves time and delivers enhanced speed-to-market for dealers and distributors, according to Bridgestone.
Founded in 2012, TireConnect offers a unique B2B and B2C online tire sales solution to more than a dozen customers with nearly 600 points of sale across Canada and the U.S. company leaders George Silagadze and Chance Harrington will join Bridgestone as part of the acquisition. As a result, Bridgestone will expand the reach of the TireConnect software platform to more dealers.
“We are excited that Bridgestone chose to acquire TireConnect and establish it as a digital and ecommerce solution for its dealers,” said Silagadze. “This move demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to its customers and end-user consumers, and we look forward to working together to further enhance the tire buying experience.”
The Bridgestone TireConnect online sales and e-commerce solution will be available to Bridgestone dealers and distributors in the first quarter of 2016.
