LEWISTON, Maine, and SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – VIP Parts, Tires & Service (VIP) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its auto parts related assets to O’Reilly Automotive. With this agreement, which is expected to be complete on or about Dec. 31, VIP will continue to serve its tire and service customers throughout all 56 locations.
VIP has been in the auto parts business since 1976, when the first VIP store was opened in Lewiston, Maine. VIP currently operates 56 stores located throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts as well as a distribution center located in Maine. Founded in 1957 by the O’Reilly family, O’Reilly Automotive operates 3,896 stores in 39 states.
“I want to thank all of our VIP team members who have so loyally served our parts customers over these many years. Their hard work and dedication to providing exceptional service is the reason that our parts stores have been so successful,” said John Quirk, VIP president and CEO.
“We are excited about entering into this very unique business arrangement with O’Reilly," Quirk added. “O’Reilly operates one of the most successful chains of auto parts stores in the country. Their dual-market strategy and commitment to serving professional installers is a great fit with our tire and service business.”
"This partnership will allow us to build on the positive momentum we are experiencing in our tire and service business,” added Tim Winkeler, VIP’s chief operating officer. “Our VIP tire and service team members have built great relationships with customers in each of our markets, and now we can focus 100 percent of our energy on growing this very profitable business for the long term.”
