“As we continue to accelerate our exposure and growth throughout North America, Driven Brands remains committed to maintaining a portfolio of brands that our customers associate with quality,” said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, president and chief executive officer of Driven Brands. “CARSTAR has a long and established history in Canada and I’m proud to have this iconic brand join the Driven Brands family. CARSTAR not only strengthens our product offering and expertise, but builds upon our established footprint in Canada.”
This development follows Driven Brands’ recent acquisition of CARSTAR’s U.S. operations. The combined CARSTAR business accounts for more than 450 locations and $700 million of annual system sales. This makes CARSTAR the largest brand in both system sales and locations in the automotive collision repair industry.
CARSTAR Canada marks the third acquisition for Driven Brands since it was acquired by Roark Capital earlier this year, expanding the brands’ footprint to more than 2,200 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada. Adding CARSTAR Canada to the Driven Brands portfolio is part of the company’s overall strategy to grow through acquisitions. This newest addition strengthens the company’s position as a North American powerhouse in the automotive aftermarket franchising industry.
“CARSTAR Canada and our customers will benefit from Driven Brands’ and Roark Capital’s best in class executive teams and their extensive franchising expertise across a number of industries including automotive and retail services,” said Sam Mercanti, CEO of CARSTAR Canada. “This is an ideal opportunity to leverage our combined franchise networks and improve operational efficiencies while enhancing the customer experience.”
CARSTAR Canada will be part of Driven Brands’ recently created Paint & Collision business segment, comprised of Maaco, CARSTAR U.S., and Drive N Style, led by Jose R. Costa, Group President, Driven Brands. The Canadian headquarters will remain at the current location in Hamilton and the operation of the business will remain under the current management. Michael Macaluso will continue to lead CARSTAR Canada in his role as President and Sam Mercanti will assume the role of chairman of CARSTAR Canada.
Michael Macaluso, President of CARSTAR Canada added: “This is a very positive development for CARSTAR Canada, our customers and our partners. Joining the Driven Brands family will bring new capital resources to CARSTAR, allowing us to strengthen and grow for the future. This joining of forces demonstrates both of our organization’s drive to be humble and hungry.”
“I’m very excited to have CARSTAR Canada join Driven’s Paint & Collision business segment,” said Jose Costa, Group President of Driven Brands. “CARSTAR Canada adds depth to our already impressive service offering and further establishes Driven Brands as a company that can provide all automotive services to our customers across North America.”
About Driven Brands
The Driven Brands family of automotive companies, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, serves as parent company for several businesses including: MAACO®, CARSTAR, Meineke Car Care Centers®, 1-800 Radiator, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops®, Econo Lube & Tune, Pro Oil®, AutoQual®, Aero-Colours® and Drive N Style®. Founded in 1972, MAACO and Meineke Car Care Centers are two of the most iconic brands in the automotive industry and have become a staple in American culture.
Driven Brands has more than 2,200 centers across the U.S. and Canada, which are predominately owned and operated by franchisees. Combined, all businesses generate nearly $2.0 billion in system sales. For more information, visit www.DrivenBrands.com.
About CARSTAR Canada
Founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1995, CARSTAR Canada has grown from eight to over 230 locations nationwide throughout 10 provinces. CARSTAR delivers national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings. In 2015 CARSTAR was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for its fourth consecutive year, earning Gold Status. CARSTAR Canada has raised over $2.5 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. For more information visit carstar.ca.
About Roark Capital Group
Roark focuses on consumer and business service companies with a specialization in franchised and multi-unit business models in the retail, restaurant, consumer and business services sectors. Since inception, Roark has acquired 48 franchise/multi-unit brands, which have generated $20 billion in annual system revenues from 21,000 locations in 50 states and 75 countries. Roark’s current brands include Anytime Fitness, Arby’s, Atkins Nutritionals, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Carl Jr.’s, Corner Bakery, Driven Brands, FOCUS Brands (the owner of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s), Hardee’s, Il Fornaio, Massage Envy, Miller’s Ale House, Money Mailer, Naf Naf Grill, Pet Valu, Pet Supermarket, Primrose Schools, Waxing the City, and Wingstop. For more information please visit www.roarkcapital.com.
