IRVING, Texas – Heartland Automotive Services, America’s largest Jiffy Lube franchisee, has just completed the second-largest acquisition in the company’s history with the addition of 33 new locations across northern Florida and South Carolina.
"This transaction is a significant step in Heartland’s history," said James Marcum, interim CEO, Heartland Jiffy Lube. "We are very proud that we have increased our footprint to more than 570 locations in 23 states. In addition, the newly acquired locations located primarily near Charleston, S.C., Jacksonville and Gainesville, Fla., provide a natural platform for growth in the Southeast market."
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, the affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners is the nation’s largest provider of quick oil change and other preventive automotive maintenance services under the Jiffy Lube brand, serving nearly 4 million customers per year. In addition to oil changes, Heartland’s locations offer tire rotations, filter replacement, air-conditioning services, state vehicle safety inspections and emissions testing.
Heartland says the acquisition of the 33 new stores from South Lube Inc. allows the company to expand its business strategy with a new Southeast division, which will include existing Heartland locations located near Savannah, Ga., and Hilton Head Island, S.C.
"I am excited for Heartland’s new presence in Florida," said Jim Orsi, new Heartland regional vice president who will lead the Southeast division. "We are eager to provide our new guests in Florida and South Carolina with all of the great offerings from Heartland, including our Signature Service Oil Change."
All 250 employees – district managers and store staff – across the newly acquired stores were invited to remain in their current positions following the acquisition. In many instances, Heartland brings new health care insurance and retirement benefits to the teammates not previously available to them.
"We enjoyed serving the customers within these communities and I am confident that Heartland will continue to deliver wonderful service to them," said Ward Huntley of South Lubes Inc. "Integrating with the Heartland Jiffy Lube system was a natural fit that benefits both companies and our employees while still providing a great Jiffy Lube experience to all customers."
