Safelite Group, the nation’s leading vehicle glass company, acquired four regional vehicle glass repair and replacement companies in late 2012. These acquisitions are the continuation of Safelite’s mission to profitably grow in the U.S. and to become the customer’s “natural choice” for vehicle glass repair and replacement services.
In the last several years, growth has come not only through strategic, targeted acquisitions but also organically from expanding the company’s existing sales and profit base.
The acquisitions bring more than 150 new employees and 35 locations to Safelite AutoGlass, particularly in some regions where Safelite does not have a strong physical presence. They include:
Klein-Dickert Co. Inc. -- On Oct. 31, 2012, Safelite Group reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the vehicle glass division assets of Madison, Wis.-based Klein-Dickert Co. Inc., not including Klein-Dickert’s paint-related business. Klein-Dickert Co. Inc. was a family owned and operated business headquartered in Madison, Wis., since 1919 and has been repairing/replacing vehicle glass in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and Upper Michigan since 1976. Klein-Dickert operates out of Madison, Brookfield, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Marinette with 33 employees.
Southern Glass & Plastics -- On Nov. 17, 2012, Safelite Group acquired the vehicle glass division assets of Southern Glass & Plastics. Southern Glass has been a prominent vehicle glass repair and replacement brand in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina since 1990. Owned by Alan Epley, the company employs 25 people and operates five retail locations in Savannah, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Columbia, S.C.; and North Augusta, S.C.
Giant Glass -- On Dec. 31, 2012, Safelite Group acquired Boston-based Giant Glass, owned and operated by Dennis Drinkwater and Lance Cramer since 1978. Giant Glass includes 54 employees, 30 mobile vans and five locations in the Boston area: Lawrence, North Andover, Peabody, Weymouth, and Worcester.
Windshield World -- Safelite Group acquired Barre, Vt.-based Windshield World also on Dec. 31, 2012. Windshield World is a well-respected company in New England. Established in 1984, Windshield World employs 40 people and operates in 20 cities and towns in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York.
In most cases, the previous owners are preparing for retirement and wanted employees to have the best option for continued growth in the automotive glass repair and replacement industry in the future, and felt that Safelite provided the best opportunity. They have agreed to remain with Safelite throughout the transition. A co-branding strategy has been implemented for Klein-Dickert, Southern Glass and Windshield World. The Giant Glass brand will remain as-is considering its local brand strength.
“In all four situations, these companies had brand recognition, talented associates and a geographic footprint that made them highly attractive to us,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Safelite Group. “We welcome them all to our company and look forward to growing our business together in the coming years.”
About Safelite Group
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 that include 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. For more information, click here.
