Situation
Certified Tire & Service Centers, Inc. (“Certified Tire”) is a leading independent automotive service chain on the West Coast with 40 active locations, making it the 3rd largest independent tire dealer headquartered in California and the 27th largest in the United States.

Objective
Jeff Darrow, President and Owner of Certified Tire, engaged Matrix to run a narrow process to a select group of large strategic acquirers.

Solution
Matrix identified several sophisticated, well-financed buyers in the automotive aftermarket that could value the enterprise off of four-wall profitability.

Management and Matrix quickly identified Monro, Inc. as a buyer with a stated interest in expanding to California and the ability to provide a transaction structure palatable to Mr. Darrow.

Monro ultimately closed on a highly complex transaction that included several related-party real estate entities, consents required from nearly 30 third-party landlords, multiple family members requiring new employment contracts, and the need to transition several back office employees that would cease employment shortly after closing.