MONTREAL — For more than a year, Montreal-based Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd. has been looking for growth opportunities in Eastern Canada. Yesterday, the company announced it had found one.

John Del Vasto, president of Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd. and Mark Mandel, president of Base Automotive Warehousing Ltd., announced that they had formed a strategic partnership in Ontario through the acquisition of the business operations of Base Automotive. Both companies are members of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and both go to market under the Auto Value brand. Base Automotive Warehousing has served the Ontario market since 1977.

In addition to the synergies and increased efficiencies made possible by the partnership, the company said the quality and flexibility of the combined marketing programs will allow them to better serve their existing customers and develop the full potential of the Ontario market. In addition, Del Vasto believes this partnership will accelerate the growth of Auto Value associate and corporate part stores and its network of professional repair shops in Eastern Canada.

"This transaction is an important part of the growth strategy of Vast-Auto Distribution in the Ontario market," said Del Vasto. "We want to continue to offer parts stores and professional repair shops the tools which will allow them to successfully adapt to the constant evolution of the automotive aftermarket."

"Over the course of a number of years, Base Automotive Warehousing has built solid business relationships with its customers in Ontario," added Mandel. "This strategic partnership will allow us to improve the service we offer our customers, particularly through Vast-Auto’s technological applications which assure optimal management of operations and inventories in stores and value-generating sales and marketing programs to assist them in exploiting growth opportunities."

Mandel will continue to administer the business in Ontario and work in close collaboration with Del Vasto.