CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In an effort to advance its market penetration into the Pacific Northwest, Meineke has acquired Seattle-Tacoma mainstay Walt’s Auto Care Centers.
 
The deal, made public on Tuesday, April 23, will merge the 19 Walt’s locations throughout the Pacific Northwest with the growing national Meineke brand. Acquisition of the locations — 17 in the greater Seattle-Tacoma market, one in Olympia, Wash., and another in Boise, Idaho — aligns with Meineke’s goal of expanding into the Pacific Northwest region, where it had to this point been underpenetrated, along with the company’s larger stated goal of overall, nationwide growth in 2013.
 
"We are excited about the opportunity to grow the Meineke brand in the Northwest through the acquisition of Walt’s Auto Care Centers. We are confident the conversion to the Meineke brand will capitalize on Walt’s historical presence and customer service, resulting in a win-win for both customers and franchisees in the region," said Paul Clayton, president of Meineke Car Care Centers.
 
"Driven Brands is continuously exploring various ways to grow in attractive markets where our brand has room to expand both geographically and through consumer awareness," said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, CEO of Meineke parent company Driven Brands. "We make no secret of our commitment to growth, and part of that is the acquisition of other brands or independents to accelerate the exposure of the Meineke brand."
 
Walt’s storefronts will be rebranded as Meineke Car Care Centers within the next few months. In subsequent months, Meineke says it will drive resources to the Sea-Tac market, including increased ad buys and marketing dollars.