Driven Brands, Inc. Acquires Rapid Service Centers And Master Auto Care

Monday, April 16, 2007

Driven Brands, Inc., the parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc. and Econo Lube N' Tune, announced today the acquisition of Rapid Service Centers and Master Auto Care, a Wichita-based automotive service company. Included in the purchase are three Rapid Service Centers in the Tulsa area, five in the Wichita area and one in Oklahoma City. Two Master Auto Care centers in Burlington & Muscatine, Iowa, round out the acquisition.

From Driven Brands headquarters in Charlotte, NC, President and CEO Kenneth D. Walker stated, "We've learned a lot since the first Meineke franchise opened more than 30 years ago. When the time came to consider acquisitions, we sought out businesses that play to our strengths: a comprehensive understanding of franchising and the automotive repair market. Rapid Service Center/Master Auto Care are successful entities whose trade complements the services offered by Meineke Car Care Centers.

"These facilities will join the growing Driven Brands family of automotive service related organizations benefiting from the existing infrastructure at Meineke, particularly the established business system and training," said Walker. Driven Brands plans on rebranding the units then making them available for franchising within 3-months. "A real advantage is the opportunity to franchise these 11 facilities under the Meineke or Meineke-Econo Lube co-brands, expanding our presence in the Southwest for customers who trust the Meineke name and rely on our nationwide warranty. It's a winwin move for both companies," Walker added. About Driven Brands, Inc.

Driven Brands, Inc., is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and serves as parent company for the separate businesses: Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc. (a franchise-based automotive service and repair chain); Aero-Colours, Inc. (a franchised chain of automotive paint repair services); Econo Lube & Tune (a franchised chain of automotive repair/quick lube services) and Tortal.net (developer of on-line training solutions for a variety of industries).

About Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc.

Beginning in 1972, Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc. has expanded its menu of product offerings to meet the demands of a changing marketplace. In 1986, the chain relocated from Houston to Charlotte, NC. Demonstrating steady growth, both domestically and internationally, Meineke now represents nearly 900 franchised shops, with an additional 100 licenses sold and in development. The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers recognized Meineke as its Franchisee of the Year and Meineke regularly appears in Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual Franchise 500 (79th in 2005), a list of the 500 best franchise opportunities in America.

About Econo Lube N' Tune Econo Lube N' Tune & Brakes was established in 1973 and was acquired by Driven Brands in 2006. The franchise automotive service chain has 200 units primarily in the Southwest and West.

About Rapid Service Center In 1996 the Rapid brand (originally know as Rapid Muffler & Brakes) was purchased and changed to Rapid Service Center in keeping with the change in vehicle needs. Owner Trent McKenzie purchased the Master Muffler & Brake Iowa facilities in 2002, changing the name to Master Auto Care. All these centers offer full automotive service.

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440 S. Church St., #700
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