Kennesaw, GA –September 19, 2016
Auto Plus and Pep Boys establishes a presence in a key Pacific Northwest market and accelerates the company’s growth with the recent acquisition of Automotive Electric Distributors (AED), an automotive aftermarket parts warehouse distributor in Portland, Oregon.
In business since 1959, the five AED warehouses, led by president Pat Blechschmidt, distribute products to automotive parts stores and service facilities across Oregon, western and central Washington and western Idaho. Blechschmidt, and his team of 50 employees will remain on board as the locations become corporate-owned Auto Plus stores. They will continue to service their loyal independent store customer base out of their facilities in Portland, as well as their distribution center in Auburn, WA.
“The AED ownership group is tremendously excited about being part of the growth of Auto Plus and Pep Boys,” commented Blechschmidt. “Auto Plus and Pep Boys is a well-run operation that has the ability to stock all the parts needed to operate a successful distribution business in a highly competitive market like Portland. Most importantly, they understand the value of having a strong group of experienced, professional people like ours working hard to make the company successful.”
“AED has enjoyed 57 years in business in large part because of their focus on their employees and on exceeding their customers’ expectations, which aligns with the priorities of Auto Plus and Pep Boys as we expand our presence across the country,” said Auto Plus and Pep Boys President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Windom.
Windom continued, “The addition of AED is a great example of our growth strategy gaining momentum. We are focused on increasing our national footprint and strengthening our ability to compete through a steady pace of network growth in key markets. This transaction positions us for further expansion in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, enabling us to better serve our existing customers and take care of new customers wherever they need us.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jo Bourjaily | 248.766.5765 | jbourjaily@dp-company.com
ABOUT AUTO PLUS
Auto Plus is a major U.S.-based distributor of automotive aftermarket parts. It is known for its investment in high-technology platforms for parts distribution and inventory control. The company continues to grow rapidly through its strategic acquisition plan. For more information, visit www.autoplusap.com.
ABOUT PEP BOYS
Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chain. With over 7,500 service bays in over 800 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting www.pepboys.com.
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “will” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
