Heartland Automotive Services, Inc., America’s largest Jiffy Lube franchisee, has entered into the North Florida market with its acquisition of five locations in Gainesville.
This acquisition is part of a larger acquisition of South Lube, Inc. locations, including 18 stores in Jacksonville, Fla., as well as 10 stores near Charleston, S.C. The 33 new locations mark the second largest acquisition in the company’s history.
“This transaction is a significant step in Heartland’s history,” said interim CEO James Marcum. “We are very proud that we have increased our footprint to more than 570 locations in 23 states. In addition, the newly acquired locations provide a natural platform for growth in the Southeast market.”
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, and an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., Heartland is the nation’s largest provider of quick oil change and other preventive automotive maintenance services under the Jiffy Lube brand, serving nearly four million customers per year. In addition to oil changes, Heartland’s locations offer tire rotations, filter replacement, air-conditioning services, state vehicle safety inspections and emissions testing.
The acquisitions will allow Heartland to expand its business strategy with a new Southeast division, which will include existing Heartland locations located near Savannah, Ga., and Hilton Head Island, S.C.
“I am excited for Heartland’s new presence in Florida,” said Jim Orsi, the new Heartland regional vice president who will lead the Southeast division. “We are eager to provide our new guests in Florida and South Carolina with all of the great offerings from Heartland.”
All 41 employees in the Gainesville area – district managers and store staff – across the newly acquired Gainesville stores were invited to remain in their current positions following the acquisition. In many instances, Heartland brings new health insurance and retirement benefits to the teammates not previously available to them.
“We enjoyed serving the customers within the community and I am confident that Heartland will continue to deliver wonderful service to them,” said Ward Huntley of South Lubes, Inc. “Integrating with the Heartland Jiffy Lube system was a natural fit that benefits both companies and our employees while still providing a great Jiffy Lube experience to all customers.”
