Discount Tire is expanding its retail footprint with the acquisition of 25 Dunn Tire locations in New York and Pennsylvania.
The purchase, which closed on Sept. 30, 2023, does not include Dunn's wholesale business, Exxpress Tire Delivery. That operation, and its five distribution centers and 200-plus employees, will remain owned by Dunn Tire's investment team, and will continue to be led by its current President David Simons, as well as Vice Presidents Paul Pittner and Stephen Clave.
This retail expansion by Discount Tire includes stores that offer not just tires, but automotive services — which is a departure from the typical tires-only strategy for Discount Tire's 1,150-plus stores around the country.
Discount Tire says the deal expands its commitment to serve retail, fleet, B2B and online shoppers.
In a statement Discount Tire Chief Revenue Officer Christian Roe said, “We are excited to connect with Randy and Robert Clark to bring Dunn Tire into our family as we enter the next phase of our company’s growth. They have built an exceptional business serving customers across New York and Pennsylvania. Looking ahead, we will continue to grow our businesses in new markets and bring full-service offerings to customers.”
Dunn Tire's stores serve markets in western and central New York and Pennsylvania. This will expand Discount Tire's presence in Pennsylvania, but also mark its entrance into New York.
Randall Clark, the current Dunn Tire chairman, and a group of investors in Buffalo, N.Y. acquired the Dunn Tire business from its founder James Dunn in the 1990s.
“We have the deepest respect for the strong culture that Discount Tire has fostered over its history,” said Randall Clark. “In searching for the right partner that would uphold the highest standard of care and respect for our people and customers, it became clear that was something only Discount Tire could offer.”
Dunn Tire's Robert Clark, managing director of retail operations, will continue to manage the brand’s day-to-day retail and service operations. Chris Adams, senior vice president at Discount Tire, has oversight of full-service and fleet business segments. All current Dunn Tire retail management and store employees will remain employed, and the 25 locations acquired by Discount Tire will continue to operate using the Dunn Tire brand name.
In its announcement of the Dunn Tire purchase, Discount Tire also noted the company had previously purchased Ellisville Tire & Service, a single-store tire dealership in Ellisville, Mo., which is part of the greater St. Louis metro.
Discount Tire also noted that its founder, the late Bruce Halle, was inducted into the Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2012 alongside Dunn Tire's Randall Clark — as well as Tire Rack founder Peter Veldman. Discount Tire acquired Tire Rack at the end of 2021.
Chris Adams, senior vice president of Discount Tire, said, "In many ways, the acquisition of Dunn Tire is a storied reunion between great leaders and great people that take care of their communities."
