Safelite Acquiring Guardian Auto Glass

SafeliteGroup, a leading vehicle glass company and owner of Safelite AutoGlass, said it has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all vehicle glass repair and replacement assets of Guardian Auto Glass LLC, a joint venture of Guardian Industries Corp. and LRST LLC.

Additionally, SafeliteGroup has reached an agreement to acquire the vehicle glass insurance claims management assets of Guardian Glass Network, except for its RV glass claims management operations. Both contracts were signed on Dec. 1, with an expected closing at the end of business on Dec. 31.

Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Guardian Industries was founded in 1932. Guardian Auto Glass currently includes approximately 253 employees in 60 retail locations throughout the U.S.

Guardian Auto Glass provides vehicle glass repair and replacement services in 12 states, with a heavy emphasis in Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida. Guardian Auto Glass’ management team will assist in the transition.

Guardian Glass Network operates its vehicle glass claims administration operation in Worthington, Ohio, and has 21 employees -- 13 of whom will join Safelite Solutions. The remaining Guardian Glass Network employees will continue to operate the RV glass claims program.

“Guardian’s well-established brand, commitment to high-quality customer service, and wide footprint made it attractive to Safelite in its goal to become the natural choice for vehicle glass repair and replacement services in the U.S.,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO.

“Safelite is committed to its retail auto glass and insurance claims businesses as demonstrated by its dynamic growth in recent years,” added Mike Morrison, president of Guardian Automotive. “Our people are joining another established brand with a history of growth and a long-term focus on the retail automotive glass business.”

The acquisition is part of an international deal of the Belron Group, which includes the purchase of the vehicle glass business of Guardian in Spain.

Safelite Group, a subsidiary of Belron, is a multi-faceted vehicle glass and claims management service organization based in Columbus, Ohio. The company, which has been in business since 1947, comprises four major business operations. They are Safelite AutoGlass, a vehicle glass repair and replacement services provider; Safelite Solutions and Alliance Claims Solutions, which offer fleet and insurance claims management services; Service AutoGlass, a wholesale and distribution operation; and Safelite Glass Corp., a manufacturing and distribution business unit. The company employs nearly 10,000 people throughout the United States.

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