In 2021, Moorpark, Calif.-based Big Brand Tire & Service occupied the 51st spot on the MTD 100, operating 21 stores – all of them in California. Today, Big Brand Tire & Service has more than 215 locations across six states, making it one of the 10 largest tire dealerships in the United States.
Last month, the chain, which dates back to 1969 and is owned by San Francisco, Calif.-based private equity firm Percheron Capital entered the Texas market via the acquisition of Tires to You, a dealership that has seven stores in the Austin area.
Big Brand Tire & Service also has locations in its native California, as well as Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.
“Tires to You has earned a trusted reputation in Austin for offering a wide range of tire brands and services, including tire installation, alignments and repairs,” said Big Brand Tire & Service officials when the acquisition was announced.
“By becoming part of Big Brand Tire & Service, these locations will benefit from the company’s expanded resources, cutting-edge technology and comprehensive service offerings – delivering even greater value and convenience in the communities we serve.”
"We are thrilled to welcome the Tires To You team members into the Big Brand family," said Joe Buscaglia, CEO of Big Brand Tire & Service, when the deal was announced.
"Austin is a key market for us, and this acquisition aligns with our strategy of growth in high-demand regions. Together, we will continue to deliver top-tier products and services while enhancing the customer experience across all locations."
Looking ahead, Big Brand Tire & Service “plans to significantly grow its presence” throughout Texas in the coming years.
Acquisitions have been a significant element of the chain’s growth since it was acquired by Percheron in March 2021.
In November of that year, Big Brand Tire & Service acquired nine retail locations in Arizona from Potosi, Mo.-based Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. The stores were located in Peoria, Tempe, Casa Grande, Yuma, Oro Valley, Avondale, Mesa and Phoenix. (Two of the outlets were in Tempe.)
Near the end of 2021, Big Brand Tire & Service made its biggest acqusition to date, picking up 107 retail stores from Vernon, Calif.-based American Tire Depot. The transaction, which did not include other American Tire Depot properties or businesses, bumped Big Brand Tire & Service’s store count to 160.
Big Brand Tire & Service had also acquired Integrity Tire, a 15-store dealership based in southern California, as well as Tire World, a dealership that had six locations in the Colorado Springs, Colo., market.
Upon the American Tire Depot deal’s announcement, Chris Lawler, co-founder and managing director of Percheron Capital, says the private equity form was "excited to partner with Big Brand and American Tire Depot to continue building a preeminent tire and automotive service platform.”
In early-2022, Big Brand Tire & Service revealed it had acquired three longstanding independent tire dealerships in Arizona: Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, S&S Tire & Auto Service Center and C&R Tire.
Community Tire Pros, formerly owned by Howard Fleischmann, had five locations in Phoenix, Ariz., and one in Glendale, Ariz.
S&S Tire, which was founded by Bob Slagle in 1976, had locations in Goodyear, Peoria and Surprise, Ariz. At the time of the acquisition, it was owned by Bob Slagle's son, Rob Slagle, and his family.
C&R Tire has a location in Scottsdale, Ariz., a store in Anthem, Ariz., and three stores in Phoenix.
In June 2022, Big Brand Tire & Service added 11 locations to its network by acquiring Tucson, Ariz.-based MPG Tire and Auto Service. The acquisition of MPG Tire bumped the chain’s store count to more than 170 outlets.
At the time, Big Brand Tire & Service officials said the company planned to "integrate its proprietary technology infrastructure and systems across each of the acquired locations, further enhancing MPG's ability to provide superior customer service at a great value in a professional and friendly environment.”
Big Brand Tire & Service CEO Joe Buscaglia said the chain was “pleased to welcome the 11 MPG locations to the Big Brand family as we continue to expand our growing footprint and partner with best-in-class operators across the country.”
In October 2022, Big Brand Tire & Service further expanded its holdings by purchasing the assets of AA Auto and Christenson Auto, both of which had locations throughout Nevada. The deal included more than 15 stores. The deal bolstered Big Brand Tire & Service’s presence in the southwestern United States.
According to its website, Big Brand Tire & Service’s owner, Percheron Capitol, has “over $3 billion in regulatory assets under management.”
Big Brand Tire & Service is one of two automotive-related companies with Percheron’s portfolio. The other is Caliber Car Wash, which operates more than 50 car wash centers throughout the U.S.
Percheron’s other holdings include Veritas Veterinary Partners, a nationwide network of specialty veterinary hospitals; Animal Dermatology Group; Blue Cardinal Home Services Group, a provider of HVAC, electrical and plumbing services; SafeBasements, a foundation repair and basement waterproofing firm; and a pest control service provider.
