Discount Tire is pushing into the Chicago, Ill., market with the acquisition of Suburban Tire Auto Repair Centers.
Terms of the deal, which closed on March 31, have not been disclosed.
Suburban Tire Auto Repair Centers’ retail management and store workers will remain employed, according to Discount Tire officials.
The six locations also will continue to operate under the Suburban Tire Auto Repair Centers name.
“Discount Tire is pleased to increase our service offerings to consumers and to fleet operators in and around Chicago,” says Christian Roe, Discount Tire’s chief revenue officer.
“Suburban Tire’s commitment to treating customers right and focusing on safety by providing expert technicians supports Discount Tire’s goal of making the tire, wheel, and auto service experience inviting, easy and safe.”
Suburban Tire Auto Repair Centers began in 1976, when founders Duke and Susan Leffler opened the dealership’s first location in Chicago.
The company is operated today by third-generation family member, Nathan Leffler, and his father, Steve Leffler, alongside Gordon Leffler, the son of its founders.
Gordon and Nathan will continue to manage the stores’ day-to-day retail and service operations. They will report to Earl Davidson and Chris Adams at Discount Tire, who have oversight of the company’s full-service business segment.
“We are pleased to join the Discount Tire brand and continue to serve customers across Chicago with the level of care our family has practiced for decades,” says Gordon.
“For our team at Suburban Tire, Discount Tire’s culture and how it treats its people were an important part of our decision on the future.”
Last October, Discount Tire expanded its footprint in the Northeast with the acquisition of 25 Dunn Tire locations in New York and Pennsylvania.
Those locations, which offer auto repair service, continue to operate under the Dunn Tire banner.
Around the same time, Discount Tire acquired Ellisville, Tire & Service, a single-store dealership in Ellisville, Mo., which is part of the St. Louis metro area.
In total, Discount Tire now has more than 1,200 locations throughout 39 states.
