Driven Brands, North America’s largest automotive services company, has announced its acquisition of Fix Auto USA (FUSA) and Auto Center Auto Body Inc. (ACAB). The addition adds nearly 150 franchised and 10 company collision repair locations to the Paint, Collision & Glass segment of Driven Brands.
The acquisition of FUSA and ACAB continues Driven Brands’ growth in the collision repair space. All locations will retain their current Fix branding and join the Paint, Collision & Glass segment, which includes the CARSTAR, Maaco, ABRA and Uniban brands. Driven Brands will continue to grow in the collision space leveraging its great franchisees, insurance carrier relationships, proven leadership and recognized operational platforms.
“We are thrilled to add the Fix team to Driven Brands despite the current business climate. Our word and reputation for being good partners are incredibly important to us,” said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, CEO of Driven Brands. “We have never been more optimistic about the long-term prospects for Fix Auto USA, all of our businesses in the paint, collision and glass segment, and the Driven Brands portfolio overall.”
Michael Macaluso, group president of Paint, Collision & Glass, will oversee FUSA and ACAB. Paul Gange will join the Driven Brands team and remain as president of FUSA, managing the franchise business. Erick and Shelly Bickett also will join Driven as operating partners for the company-owned ACAB locations.
“After years of growing Fix Auto USA, we are thrilled to be part of Driven Brands, who completed the acquisition despite the tumultuous business climate,” said Gange. “We are excited to continue building our organization with the strength and support of Driven Brands behind us.”
“Driven Brands’ mission and unwavering commitment to its consumers, franchisees, employees, and industry partners align with our vision,” added Shelly and Erick Bickett, owners of Auto Center Auto Body Inc. “We look forward to the many benefits that our two organizations and our franchisees will gain from one another, including industry-leading solutions tailored for our customers. There is exciting growth ahead. We look forward to working with Driven Brands as leaders in the collision repair industry.”
Since affiliates of Roark Capital acquired Driven Brands in 2015, it has executed 38 acquisitions, including Fix Auto USA and Auto Center Auto Body, Inc. Fueled by these acquisitions and strong organic growth, Driven Brands continues to expand across its automotive segments, increasing the brands’ footprint to over 3,250 locations across North America.
