Bridgestone buys large US tyre retailer Pep Boys in US$835 million deal

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is to buy large US tyre retailer The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack in an US$835 million all-cash deal. The transaction will be executed by Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas and follows the signing of a merger agreement under which BSRO will pay $15.00 per share, a price that represents a premium of 23 per cent over Pep Boys’ closing price of $12.15 on 23 October 2015 and a premium of 62 per cent over Pep Boys’ pre-buyout speculation price of $9.25 on 19 May 2015.

“Bridgestone and Pep Boys are two leading companies that share a proud heritage in the American automotive services industry,” said Gary Garfield, CEO and President of Bridgestone Americas. “Our shared expertise and commitment to our customers and employees will help us build an even stronger organization.”

Pep Boys, headquartered in Philadelphia, has more than 7,500 service bays in more than 800 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Pep Boys offers tyres, maintenance and repair and parts and accessories. Therefore the deal will add approximately 800 locations to BSRO’s nationwide network of 2,200 tyre and automotive service centres, which operate under the Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works brand banners.

Along with these company-owned stores and Bridgestone’s more than 5,000 long-standing dealers and distributors in the United States, Pep Boys’ distribution network will help reach even more consumers with the products and services they want when they need them. The acquisition represents an immediate nationwide expansion of more than 35 per cent for BSRO.

“We are excited to join the Bridgestone family of companies to become part of the world’s largest company-owned tire and automotive service retail network,” said Scott Sider, CEO of Pep Boys. “This transaction delivers a significant premium for Pep Boys’ shareholders and offers new opportunities for our employees across a bigger business. We look forward to working with the Bridgestone team for a smooth and successful transition.”

The transaction is expected to close in the beginning of 2016.