Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc. will acquire Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Plaza Tire Service Inc. from owners Mark Rhodes and Scott Rhodes on Dec. 31. Plaza Tire has 70 locations.
Terms have not been disclosed.
The acquisition will give Sun Auto Tire more than 350 locations.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with Mark and Scott Rhodes and the entire Plaza Tire Service team as they bring their best-in-class customer service experience into the Sun Auto Tire & Service family,” says Tony Puckett, Sun Auto Tire's CEO.
“Plaza Tire Service has developed an exceptional reputation throughout their markets. This highly strategic acquisition positions our company to further strengthen the overall store portfolio and will enable us to accelerate geographic growth throughout the midwestern region of the U.S.”
“We didn’t go looking for a buyer for our company,” says Mark Rhodes, president of Plaza Tire, which was founded by Vernon Rhodes in 1963.
“But when Sun Auto reached out and we saw their plans, the way they do business (and) the other acquisitions they made, it became clear that this could be a good option for us. We’re excited to get started on this next chapter in the history of Plaza Tire Service.”
Both Mark and Scott - as well as Mark’s oldest son, Sam - are currently active in the day-to-day operations of Plaza Tire. They will all continue in their respective roles.
In addition, the Plaza Tire Service name will not change. "Existing stores - as well as new locations - will be known as Plaza Tire Service," according to Sun Auto Tire officials.
“We have been growing this company and building on our father’s legacy for years,” says Scott Rhodes, vice president of Plaza Tire. “Our agreement with Sun Auto lets us continue to grow the Plaza Tire Service brand. From the perspective of our employees and customers, it’s business as usual.”
Mark and Scott Rhodes received MTD's Tire Dealer of the Year Award in 2017.
