Friend Tire, ITDG Merge Buying Groups

(Akron/Tire Review) Tire distributor Friend Tire Co. and Independent Tire Dealers Group have combined their existing marketing/buying groups for independent dealers into one programme. “The Independent Tire Dealers Group program is a perfect fit with our own Nationwide Tire Dealers Program,” said Don Isbell, president of Friend Tire. “Combined, the two offers the independent tyre dealer everything they need to operate a successful business. We will begin immediately to explore the opportunities presented by this new configuration.”

Michael Cox, ITDG president and CEO, said, “Not only do the programs complement each other. Geographically the fit could not be any better. The Independent Tire Dealers Group is concentrated in 11Western States, while the Nationwide Tire Dealers Program is heavily concentrated in the south through Texas. Combined the program would encompass more than 400 dealers representing more than 800 retail locations.”

ITDG has 103 members representing some 307 retail stores, including 56 shareholders, located in 11 western states. Friend Tire’s NTD program has more than 300 affiliated dealers in 22 states.