Service King Collision Repair Centers, now a multi-state operator of high-quality collision repair facilities with more than 63 locations, is continuing its expansion with the purchase of AutoBody America (ABA), a highly esteemed collision repairer with 20 locations throughout Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The transaction, including markets in Nashville, Memphis, Little Rock, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, Tenn.; Jackson, Miss.; and Fayetteville, Ark.; closed on Dec. 30, 2012.

These 20 new locations are a great complement to Service King's exceptional reputation and growing client base in regional U.S. markets. These state-of-the-art, I-CAR Gold Class repair centers are capable of servicing more than 40,000 vehicles per year.

AutoBody America’s staff of 250 people will be joining an award-winning and dedicated team at Service King Collision Repair Centers, which currently employs more than 1,800 teammates in Texas and Arizona.

"We are very excited to partner with a great company in AutoBody America," said Mike Abbott, market vice president for Service King. "Our two companies have similar histories, which makes this merger a natural fit. AutoBody America and their great team will provide a strong platform for Service King in the Southeastern United States."

Jeff McFadden, president of Service King, added: "It's comforting to partner with an organization that delivers the level of customer service that Service King customers have grown accustomed, and we are very excited to welcome the professionals at AutoBody America to the Service King family. Pat James and Will Johnston have developed ABA into one of the top names in auto collision repair services, and our mutual objectives of continued innovation, quality repairs and customer satisfaction makes the partnership that much stronger."

The company grew from a one-store operation known as PJ's Auto Body in 1981 into a brand of 20 AutoBody America storefronts today. Pat James and Will Johnston will continue in leadership roles with the company.

“I am so thrilled at this opportunity to join forces with such a solid company that will help my team reach their potential for professional growth," said Pat James.

Chris Abraham, CEO for Service King, added: "Pat, Will and their team have done a wonderful job of serving their customers and insurance partners, and we are so excited to build on that level of customer service and become a part of each community. Our new team members at Autobody America will enhance our already talented and tenured leadership team, and we are excited about this partnership continuing to spur future growth for the company."

About Service King Collision Repair Centers

Founded more than 36 years ago in Dallas, Texas, by Eddie Lennox, Service King Collision Repair Centers has grown to be a leader in the collision repair industry. In 2012, The Carlyle Group bought a majority stake in the Richardson, Texas-based Service King, providing the capital necessary to grow nationally. Service King’s expansion continues, now with 16 locations in Tennessee, one location in Mississippi, three centers in Arkansas, 55 locations in Texas and eight collision centers in Arizona with additional growth planned in 2013. 

For more information about Service King, click here.